A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned a suit challenging the academic and personal records of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to July 9, 2026.
The case was instituted by three civil society groups Human Global Resource Initiative, Human Rights Monitoring Agenda, and Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak—against Abiodun and several other parties, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and multiple political parties.
Presided over by Justice Aneke at the Lagos Judicial Division, the suit centers on alleged inconsistencies in documents submitted by the governor to INEC ahead of the 2014, 2019, and 2023 general elections.
Through an originating summons, the plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether Abiodun’s sworn declaration dated December 15, 2014—stating he attended the University of Ife in 1986 and Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, in 1989—was accurate.
They are also seeking clarification on whether discrepancies in his primary school records amount to false declaration under the 1999 Constitution. According to court filings, one document indicates attendance at International Primary School, Ayetoro, in 1971, while another INEC Form CF001 lists a different institution.
In addition, the applicants want the court to rule on what they describe as “material contradictions, inconsistencies, and concealments” in multiple INEC forms submitted in 2014, 2018, and 2022, and whether such issues violate constitutional provisions.
The suit further raises questions about Abiodun’s participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. The plaintiffs argue that, based on his declared graduation year and age, he ought to have been enlisted. They also allege that he failed to disclose a purported indictment and imprisonment in 1986, which they claim was referenced in one of the submitted documents.
Lead counsel for the plaintiffs, Yemi Oke, described the case as a constitutional matter aimed at clarifying whether candidates accused of false declarations on INEC forms are eligible to contest elections. He maintained that such legal questions are not affected by the constitutional immunity granted to sitting governors.
He added that previous Supreme Court decisions have established false declaration as grounds for disqualification from public office.
Respondents in the case are expected to file their counter-affidavits and formally enter appearances before the next hearing date.
Reacting to the development, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak said the suit is intended to promote accountability and integrity in Nigeria’s political system. Similarly, Comrade Adewale Ojo of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights called for strict adherence to due process, warning against the normalization of irregularities in the electoral process.
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