Hon Justice Chukwujeku Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos, on Tuesday, adjourned to July 9, 2026, further proceedings in a suit challenging the educational qualifications and declarations made by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, in respect of the 2014, 2019, and 2023 general elections.
The judge also directed the parties in the suit to file and exchange the necessary processes before the next adjourned date.
The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/2026, was instituted by Human Global Resource Initiative, Human Rights Monitoring Agenda, and Buna Isiak against Governor Abiodun, alongside the Department of State Services, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Peoples Democratic Party, the African Democratic Congress, the Labour Party, the All Progressives Congress, and others.
In the originating summons, the plaintiffs seek, inter alia, the determination of whether the affidavit sworn to by Abiodun on December 15, 2014, wherein he declared attendance at the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, in 1986 and Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America, in 1989, and subsequently submitted to INEC, is not false.
The plaintiffs further pray the court to determine whether the alleged inconsistencies in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s stated primary school education amount to false declaration within the meaning of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Specifically, the plaintiffs contended that while Abiodun stated in one instance that he attended International Primary School, Ayetoro, in 1971, he allegedly declared a different institution, Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro State Primary School, in his INEC Form CF001, as reflected in Exhibits HURMA 3, 4, and 4B.
They also asked the court to determine whether what they described as “material contradictions, inconsistencies, and concealments” in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s INEC Forms dated December 15, 2014; December 15, 2018; and June 30, 2022, constitute false declarations under the constitution.
The plaintiffs further raised the issue of the governor’s participation in the National Youth Service Corps scheme, contending that, having declared that he graduated in 1986 at the age of 26, he ought to have participated in the programme.
In addition, they alleged that Abiodun failed to disclose an alleged indictment and imprisonment in 1986, as purportedly evidenced in Exhibit HURMA-7, in the INEC Forms CF001 submitted in 2014, 2018, and 2022, and contend that such omission amounts to material concealment under Sections 66(1)(i) and 182(1)(j) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
After the proceedings, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Oke, who appeared for the plaintiffs, said the suit was filed to obtain judicial interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act in relation to alleged false declarations made in INEC forms.
“We are not particular about any candidate; we seek a pronouncement of the court on whether a person who allegedly makes false declarations on oath in forms submitted to INEC is qualified to contest elections,” he said.
The learned silk further stated that the Supreme Court has, in a plethora of authorities, held that a false declaration to INEC constitutes a ground for disqualification, adding that a determination of the court would bring clarity to the law.
Speaking on the issue of constitutional immunity, Prof Oke dismissed claims that the suit could not proceed due to constitutional immunity enjoyed by a sitting governor, describing such arguments as “a fallacy.”
He said that such contention was misconceived, arguing that proceedings commenced by originating summons are for the interpretation of the law and do not offend the doctrine of immunity.
“Originating summons is meant for the court to interpret the law and make necessary pronouncements. It has nothing to do with immunity,” he stated.
Executive Director of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda, Buna Isiak, stated that the action was aimed at promoting accountability and integrity in the political process.
“This action is not targeted at any individual. It is intended to sanitise the political space and ensure that public office holders are held to the highest standards of accountability,” he said.
Similarly, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Adewale Ojo, stated that the suit sought to ensure strict compliance with due process in the electoral system.
“It is imperative that individuals do not attain public office through irregular means, as strengthening accountability will ultimately deepen Nigeria’s democracy,” he added.
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