Politics
Ogun Governor Abiodun Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Academic Record Discrepancies
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.
Dauda Lawal swears in five permanent secretaries in Zamfara, urging them to follow public service rules, financial regulations and relevant laws
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has sworn in five new permanent secretaries, urging them to comply with Public Service Rules, financial regulations and other relevant laws in the discharge of their duties.
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The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday at the Grand Chamber of the Government House in Gusau, the state capital.
The newly appointed permanent secretaries are Ahmad S. Zamfara, Nasiru Halilu Anka, Mu’azu Jibril Guraguri, Adamu Abdullahi Kanoma and Sani Muhammad Shinkafi.
The Chief Judge of Zamfara State, Justice Kulu Aliyu, administered the oath of office to the appointees, who pledged allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lawal congratulated the new permanent secretaries, describing their appointments as recognition of their experience, abilities and readiness to take on greater responsibilities.
He said their roles extended beyond personal career advancement, noting that their decisions and conduct would influence government performance and the welfare of residents.
“The Permanent Secretary is central to Government, providing administrative leadership, institutional continuity, and policy advice while implementing approved programs,” the governor said.
He added that permanent secretaries were responsible for maintaining discipline, coordinating their establishments and ensuring that public resources were used for their intended purposes.
Lawal said his administration remained committed to strengthening government institutions and improving public administration to support Zamfara’s development priorities.
He noted that the civil service played a critical role in translating government decisions into practical results, particularly in the delivery of essential services.
The governor urged the new appointees to align their work with his administration’s priorities through proper planning, realistic implementation strategies, effective supervision and continuous assessment of results.
He also called on them to maintain constructive and professional relationships with commissioners and other political officeholders.
According to Lawal, political leaders are responsible for setting policy, while career civil servants provide the institutional knowledge, technical advice and administrative capacity needed to implement it.
He stressed that mutual respect and cooperation between political officeholders and career civil servants were essential to effective governance.
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The governor urged the permanent secretaries to uphold discipline and professionalism while ensuring that their departments supported the administration’s development agenda and served the needs of the people of Zamfara.
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