A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned a suit filed by Human Global Resource Initiative, Human Rights Monitoring Agenda and Comrade Buna Isiak against Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Department of State Services (DSS), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and others to July 9.
The suit, which is before Justice Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No: FHC/L/CS/2026, centres on alleged discrepancies in Abiodun’s educational qualifications submitted ahead of the 2014, 2019 and 2023 general election.
In the originating summons, the applicants are asking the court to determine whether the declaration on oath made by Abiodun on December 15, 2014; stating that he attended the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, in 1986 and Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in 1989, as submitted to INEC; was truthful.
They are also seeking clarification on whether discrepancies in the governor’s stated primary school education amount to false declaration under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Specifically, they noted that in one instance he stated that he attended International Primary School, Ayetoro, in 1971, while in INEC Form CF001 he allegedly listed a different school, Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro State Primary School, as reflected in Exhibits HURMA 3, 4, and 4B.
The applicants further asked the court to determine whether what they described as “material contradictions, inconsistencies and concealments” in Abiodun’s INEC Forms dated December 15, 2014; December 15, 2018; and June 30, 2022 amount to false declarations under the Constitution.
They also raised questions regarding his participation in the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, arguing that having declared he graduated in 1986 at the age of 26, he ought to have participated in the programme.
In addition, the applicants alleged that the governor failed to disclose an alleged indictment and imprisonment in 1986, as referenced in Exhibit HURMA-7, in his INEC Forms CF001 submitted in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
They contended that such omission constitutes material concealment under Sections 66(1)(i) and 182(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Speaking after the adjournment, the volunteered counsel for the plaintiffs, Professor Yemi Oke (SAN), said the suit was filed to seek judicial interpretation of relevant provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act concerning false declarations made in INEC forms.
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“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 added that the Supreme Court had, in several decisions, held that false declaration to INEC constituted grounds for disqualification, stressing that the court’s pronouncement would provide clarity.
He also dismissed claims that the suit could not proceed due to constitutional immunity enjoyed by a sitting governor, describing such arguments as “a fallacy.”
“Originating summons are meant for the court to interpret the law and make necessary pronouncements. It has nothing to do with immunity,” he said.
According to him, the matter is expected to come up for definite hearing on July 9, with respondents required to file their counter-affidavits and enter appearances.
Also speaking, Executive Director of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda, Comrade Isiak Olaitan Isiak said the action was aimed at sanitising Nigeria’s political space and promoting accountability in governance.
“This is not just about the Governor of Ogun State. It is about ensuring our political system is free from moral corruption and that those in leadership positions are held accountable,” he said.
Comrade Buna Isiak added that the group would continue to challenge alleged irregularities in the political space, stressing that public office holders must be upright and transparent.
Similarly, Chairman of Lagos State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Adewale Ojo, said the objective of HURMA was to ensure due process and that the electoral system was not compromised.
He emphasised the need to prevent individuals from gaining political office through irregular means, saying strengthening accountability would deepen Nigeria’s democracy.