A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned a suit challenging Governor Dapo Abiodun’s academic credentials and INEC filings to July 9, 2026.
Court Adjourns Suit Challenging Abiodun’s Credentials to July 9
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned a high-profile suit challenging the academic credentials and electoral declarations of Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun State, to July 9, 2026.
The case, filed by civil society groups including Human Global Resource Initiative and Human Rights Monitoring Agenda, is before Justice Aneke at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Lagos Judicial Division. It lists several defendants, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and major political parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Labour Party.
At the heart of the suit are alleged discrepancies in Abiodun’s educational history as declared in documents submitted to INEC ahead of the 2014, 2019, and 2023 general elections. The applicants are asking the court to determine whether the governor’s sworn declaration—stating that he attended the University of Ife in 1986 and Kennesaw State University in 1989—was truthful.
They also raised concerns over inconsistencies in his primary school records, pointing to differing claims about attendance at schools in Ayetoro, as reflected in multiple INEC forms. According to the applicants, such variations may amount to false declaration under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Further questions were raised regarding his participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with the plaintiffs arguing that, based on his declared graduation timeline, he ought to have completed the mandatory scheme. The suit also alleges failure to disclose an alleged past indictment and imprisonment, which the applicants described as “material concealment.”
Speaking after the court session, lead counsel to the plaintiffs, Professor Yemi Oke (SAN), clarified that the suit seeks constitutional interpretation rather than targeting any individual.
“We are not particular about any candidate; we want the court to clarify the position of the law on whether a person who allegedly makes false declarations on oath while filling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) forms can contest elections,” he said.
Oke further argued that existing Supreme Court decisions already establish that false declarations could be grounds for disqualification, adding that the outcome of the case would provide much-needed legal clarity.
He also dismissed suggestions that the suit is barred by the constitutional immunity of a sitting governor, stating:
“Originating summons are meant for the court to interpret the law and make necessary pronouncements. It has nothing to do with immunity.”
Also reacting, Executive Director of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, said the action is aimed at strengthening accountability in Nigeria’s political system.
“This is not just about the Governor of Ogun State. It is about ensuring that our political system is free from moral corruption and that those in leadership positions are held accountable,” he said.
Similarly, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Comrade Adewale Ojo, stressed the importance of due process and electoral integrity, noting that preventing irregularities in the system is key to deepening democracy.
With the matter now adjourned, all parties are expected to file their responses ahead of the next hearing date, as legal and political observers closely watch what could become a defining case on electoral compliance and constitutional accountability in Nigeria. Read More
