HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS DRAG OGUN GOVERNOR TO COURT OVER ALLEGED FALSE QUALIFICATION CLAIMS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Two civil society organisations, Human Global Resource Initiative and Human Rights Monitoring Agenda — alongside Buna Olaitan Isiak, have instituted a suit against Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, over alleged discrepancies in his educational qualifications submitted ahead of the 2014, 2019 and 2023 general elections.

The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/2026, is before the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division.

Also joined as respondents in the matter are the Department of State Services (DSS), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Labour Party.

In the originating summons, the applicants are asking the court to determine whether a declaration on oath allegedly made by Governor Abiodun on December 15, 2014 — in which he stated that he attended the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, in 1986 and Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in 1989, was truthful as submitted to INEC.

The plaintiffs are also seeking clarification on what they describe as discrepancies in the governor’s stated primary school education. They alleged that while he indicated attendance at International Primary School, Ayetoro, in 1971 in one instance, he listed Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro State Primary School, in INEC Form CF001, as reflected in exhibits attached to the suit.

According to the applicants, these alleged inconsistencies, along with what they termed “material contradictions and concealments” in INEC Forms dated December 15, 2014; December 15, 2018; and June 30, 2022 — amount to false declarations under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

They further raised questions regarding his participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, arguing that having declared he graduated in 1986 at age 26, he ought to have undertaken the compulsory programme.

Additionally, the plaintiffs alleged that the governor failed to disclose an alleged indictment and imprisonment in 1986 referenced in documents attached to the suit. They contended that such omission constitutes material concealment under Sections 66(1)(i) and 182(1)(j) of the Constitution, as well as Section 29(4), (5), (6) and (8) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).

The applicants are seeking declarations that Governor Abiodun is constitutionally disqualified from contesting elections into any public office in Nigeria. They are also asking the court to restrain INEC and the political parties from nominating, accepting or recognising him as a candidate for any elective office.

The suit is supported by a 40-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Buna Olaitan Isiak in his capacity as Executive Director of the applicant organisations. It was filed by Professor Yemi Oke, SAN, alongside Sandra Idedia and Oluwatobi Adeniregun.

As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from Governor Abiodun or the other respondents named in the suit.