Human rights groups file suit against Ogun State Governor Abiodun over alleged discrepancies in academic records submitted for 2014, 2019, and 2023 elections

Three human rights organisations have filed a lawsuit against Ogun State Governor, Prince Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun, over alleged discrepancies in his educational qualifications.

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The Human Global Resource Initiative, Human Rights Monitoring Agenda, and their Executive Director, Buna Olaitan Isiak, petitioned the Lagos Judicial Division of the Federal High Court under suit number FHC/L/CS/2026.

The suit names Governor Abiodun, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and political parties including APC, PDP, ADC, and Labour Party as respondents.

At the centre of the case is Abiodun’s sworn declaration on December 15, 2014, claiming he attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1986 and Kennesaw State University in 1989.

The claimants allege inconsistencies in his primary school history, citing differing records of the schools he attended in Ayetoro.

They argue these are not minor errors but matters requiring judicial clarification under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The plaintiffs also question whether Governor Abiodun participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), noting that a 1986 graduation at age 26 would normally require service under the scheme.

Additional claims reference a past indictment and imprisonment in 1986, which the plaintiffs say were not disclosed in his INEC submissions for elections in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Speaking through an affidavit, Buna Olaitan Isiak said the suit is intended to promote democratic accountability, not political gain.

“A wrong impression is being created that laws and rules do not count in political contests in Nigeria,” he said.

The legal team, led by Professor Yemi Oke, SAN, along with Sandra Idedia and Oluwatobi Adeniregun, is seeking a court declaration that Governor Abiodun is constitutionally disqualified from contesting elections and orders restraining INEC and political parties from recognising him as a candidate in future polls.

No official response has been issued by Governor Abiodun or the other respondents.

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Observers note the case could spark broader discussions about transparency, electoral accountability, and the seriousness of declarations made to INEC.