Triumph of Democracy – The GSMists Hails Oyekunle’s Tribunal Victory

A socio-political group, The GSMists, has congratulated the Honourable Member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle (DON), on his landmark legal victory following the dismissal of a petition challenging his emergence in the August 16, 2025 bye-election.

In a statement by the group, they described the judgment as a clear affirmation of the overwhelming mandate freely given to Hon. Oyekunle by the people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

The GSMists noted that the unanimous decision of the National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, which dismissed the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for lacking merit and substantial evidence, underscored the triumph of democracy, due process, and the will of the electorate. According to the group, the ruling further validated the credibility of the electoral process that produced Hon. Oyekunle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the authentic choice of the people.

The group stressed that the judgment reinforced the principle that electoral mandates genuinely earned at the polls cannot be subverted through what it described as “the backdoor of the courts.”

Commending the federal lawmaker, The GSMists praised Hon. Oyekunle for his maturity, resilience, and unwavering focus on his legislative responsibilities despite the legal challenges. They described his confidence in the judiciary and sustained commitment to people-oriented representation as exemplary.

The group added that the victory was not only a personal triumph for Hon. Oyekunle but also a collective win for democracy, the people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency, and Oyo State at large.

The GSMists also used the opportunity to commend Governor Seyi Makinde for what they termed his commitment to truthful governance and exemplary leadership in Oyo State.

They urged the lawmaker to continue his impactful representation at the National Assembly while assuring him of their continued solidarity and support.

The statement concluded with congratulations to Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle, describing the ruling as “a victory for the people and a victory for democracy.”