Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been urged to decline the acceptance or recognition of the Ogun State Governor, Adedapo Oluseun Abiodun as a candidate for any elective office in the next election, pending full legal and factual clarification on allegations against him.

This was contained in a petition, signed by the Convener of the Civil Society Coalition Against Electoral Manipulation, Malam Naseer Kura, and made available on Friday, noting that the petition was made in public interest, with the aim of upholding the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic process and reinforcing confidence in the electoral system.

He also urged the INEC to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the allegations and discrepancies, especially alleged identity issues leveled against the governor, and to also ensure strict compliance with constitutional and statutory provisions governing candidate eligibility;

“We draw your attention to multiple alleged inconsistencies in sworn declarations submitted via INEC Form CF001 across different election cycles (2014, 2018, and 2022), including but not limited to contradictory statements regarding educational history; discrepancies in primary school attendance records; variations in personal data and timelines; and alleged failure to disclose prior indictments or legal encounter.”