OSV Urges APC to Retain Oyebanji, Says No Need to Change a Winning Team

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By Lukman Babatope

A political support group, Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), has appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the state, local government, and ward levels in Ekiti State to rally behind Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) ahead of the party’s governorship primary election.

In an open letter addressed to all APC executive councils in the state, the Convener of the group, Hon. C. Ade, said the call became necessary to ensure continuity of good governance and the consolidation of ongoing developmental projects in Ekiti.

The group warned against disrupting the political and governance stability currently being enjoyed under Governor Oyebanji, stressing that changing leadership at this point would be tantamount to “changing a winning team.”

According to the letter, the APC leaders must prioritize the progress of Ekiti State above all else by supporting a candidate with the right experience, competence, and proven record of service.

“We appeal to all APC executive members to put the interest of our dear state first and rally behind the man with the vision, capacity, and courage to sustain the achievements of the present administration,” the statement read in part.

Hon. Ade noted that virtually all major progressive leaders in the state including Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Chief Segun Oni, as well as several past and serving lawmakers have expressed their preference for continuity under Oyebanji’s leadership.

The group listed possible consequences of abandoning the continuity agenda to include the disruption of ongoing projects, political disconnection among party leaders, and the weakening of the APC structure in the state ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“To act otherwise would be a disservice to the progressive ideals of our great party and a betrayal of the trust reposed in Ekiti by the APC National Working Committee and the broader progressive family,” the statement added.

Reaffirming their confidence in the governor, the OSV said only Governor Oyebanji possesses the democratic track record, competence, and unifying spirit required to lead the party to victory in the 2026 governorship election and contribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

“No wise coach changes a winning team without paying the price of defeat. Oyebanji has proved himself as a performer and a unifier. Ekiti must not break the chain of progress,” Ade declared.

The group, therefore, called on all APC delegates and stakeholders to uphold unity and stability by ensuring Governor Oyebanji’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer for the 2026 governorship election.