Clearing the Air: The Truth About the Consensus Affirmation of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji
A response to the faceless “Coalition of Civil Society Groups” (COCSG)
The Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV) — a foremost grassroots sensitization and mobilization platform dedicated to promoting good governance and democratic values in Ekiti State — has strongly condemned the recent falsehoods being circulated by a faceless group masquerading as the Coalition of Civil Society Groups (COCSG).
In a statement signed by its Convener, Hon. H.C. Ade, the OSV described the group’s comments on the recently concluded consensus affirmation of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as ignorant, misleading, and mischievous. The statement noted that the so-called COCSG’s position reflects a poor understanding of Ekiti’s political landscape and a deliberate misrepresentation of the provisions of Section 84 of the Nigerian Electoral Act, 2022.
According to the Vanguard, the consensus affirmation that produced Governor Oyebanji as the APC candidate for the June 20, 2026 governorship election was conducted transparently, peacefully, and in full compliance with all legal and party procedures. The process, it emphasized, was guided by the following key considerations:
Strict adherence to relevant laws and APC guidelines.
Disqualification of aspirants who failed to meet the eligibility criteria set by the National Working Committee (NWC).
Voluntary withdrawal and endorsement of Governor Oyebanji by the remaining aspirant, Mrs. Atinuke Olayemi Omolayo.
Governor Oyebanji’s outstanding performance and transformative achievements within his first three years in office.
Overwhelming support from the people of Ekiti, cutting across all social, political, and professional groups.
The OSV further questioned the credibility and motives of the so-called COCSG, asking pointedly:
> “Where were they when Governor Oyebanji received widespread endorsements from across and beyond Ekiti State?”
The Vanguard reaffirmed that the consensus decision enjoys the firm backing of:
The Presidency and the entire APC structure from the National to Ward levels.
The Ekiti Caucus of the National Assembly, led by the Senate Leader, Senator (Dr.) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele.
The 26-member State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye.
All 38 Local Government and LCDA Chairmen, alongside the Conference of Former Legislators led by Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi.
Former Governors and Deputy Governors across party lines, including Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Paul Alabi, and Professor Modupe Adelabu.
Women and youth groups, community leaders, and Ekiti indigenes both at home and in the diaspora.
While genuine stakeholders are rallying to consolidate the gains of good governance, the OSV lamented that certain “commercial civil society actors” continue to embarrass themselves by spreading propaganda aimed at discrediting both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) and Governor Biodun Oyebanji (BAO).
The Oyebanji Street Vanguard therefore called on all well-meaning Nigerians and defenders of democracy to ignore the baseless fabrications of these faceless individuals and instead focus on supporting institutions that strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, stability, and development.
In conclusion, the OSV advised the so-called COCSG to “face their own states and stop meddling in Ekiti affairs they neither understand nor experience.” The people of Ekiti, the group maintained, have spoken decisively — and their united voice stands firmly behind Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
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