Step‑mother Refutes Claims on Solomon Adeola State of Origin

Solomon Adeola state of origin has become the latest flashpoint in the heated race for the Ogun governorship, as his step‑mother, Aminatu Abiola, publicly dismissed rumours linking the APC candidate to Ekiti State. Speaking to media outlets on Tuesday, Abiola asserted that her late husband was buried in Lagos and that any claim of an Ekiti lineage is baseless, even offering to testify in court should the matter be taken to the judiciary.

Background to the Solomon Adeola state of origin controversy

The debate over a candidate’s state of origin is not new in Nigerian politics. Constitutionally, a person’s origin determines eligibility for certain elective positions, and political opponents often weaponise the issue to question a contender’s authenticity. In the case of Solomon Adeola, the APC’s flag‑bearer for the 2026 Ogun governorship election, rumours began circulating in early 2026 after a series of social media posts suggested he had ancestral ties to Ekiti.

These claims were amplified by rival party operatives who argued that an Ekiti origin would disqualify Adeola from contesting in Ogun, where the constitution requires a candidate to be a “native of the state.” While the allegations lacked concrete evidence, they sparked a flurry of commentary across talk shows, blogs, and political forums.

Aminata Abiola steps into the arena

On 18 September 2026, Aminata Abiola, who is widely known as the step‑mother of Solomon Adeola, held a brief press conference in Lagos. She categorically denied any Ekiti connection, stating, “My late husband, Mr. Solomon Adeola Sr., was laid to rest in Lagos. My son’s roots are firmly Lagosian, and I will not shy away from testifying before any court to prove it.”

Abiola’s intervention is significant for several reasons. First, it brings a family member’s voice directly into a political dispute that has largely been fought in the media. Second, her willingness to go to court underscores the seriousness with which the Adeola camp is treating the allegations. Finally, the statement adds a personal dimension to the political narrative, reminding voters that behind every candidate is a family network that can be mobilised for support or defence.

Legal implications and the role of the judiciary

Under the 1999 Constitution, a candidate’s state of origin is verified through a combination of birth certificates, voter registration details, and, where necessary, affidavits sworn before a notary public. If a dispute arises, the matter can be escalated to the Election Petition Tribunal, which has the authority to disqualify a candidate if the evidence proves a false declaration.

Abiola’s offer to testify could lead to a formal petition being lodged by either the PDP or an interested civil society group. Should the case reach the tribunal, the court will examine documents such as the late father’s burial certificate, school records, and any sworn statements made by Adeola during his candidacy filing.

Legal experts caution that even if the tribunal finds no breach, the process itself can be politically damaging. “The mere existence of a petition creates a cloud of doubt that opponents can exploit in rallies and media briefings,” notes a Lagos‑based constitutional lawyer who asked to remain anonymous.

Political fallout within the APC

Within the APC, reactions have been mixed. Some party stalwarts have rallied behind Adeola, emphasising his track record as a former Minister of State for Works and Housing and his contributions to infrastructural development in the Southwest. Others, however, have expressed concern that the controversy could erode the party’s credibility in Ogun, a state where the APC has traditionally enjoyed strong support.

Party chairman, Hon. Olumide Akinsanya, released a statement on 19 September 2026, affirming the party’s confidence in Adeola’s eligibility and urging members to focus on policy issues rather than personal attacks. “Our campaign is about delivering jobs, improving healthcare, and expanding education for all Ogunians,” the statement read.

Public sentiment and voter perception

Opinion polls conducted by a local research firm in August 2026 indicated that 42% of Ogun voters were aware of the origin controversy, with 57% of those respondents believing the claims were politically motivated. Younger voters, particularly those in urban centres like Abeokuta and Ijebu‑Ode, expressed fatigue over what they described as “identity politics” that distracts from pressing economic challenges.

Social media analysis shows a surge in hashtags such as #AdeolaOrigin and #EkitiGate, with many users calling for a focus on development agendas. Nonetheless, traditional media outlets continue to give the story airtime, reflecting the enduring relevance of state identity in Nigerian electoral politics.

Comparative perspective: similar disputes in West Africa

While the Nigerian context is unique, other West African nations have faced comparable disputes. In Ghana, for instance, the 2024 parliamentary elections saw a candidate’s eligibility questioned over dual citizenship, leading to a Supreme Court ruling that clarified the legal standards. In Senegal, debates over regional affiliation have occasionally influenced local elections, especially in the Casamance region.

These examples illustrate that questions of origin, citizenship, or regional belonging are common flashpoints across the continent, often leveraged by political rivals to gain an edge.

What the next steps could look like

If the matter proceeds to court, the timeline will depend on the tribunal’s docket. Typically, election petitions are resolved within three to six months, meaning a final ruling could emerge before the 2027 gubernatorial inauguration. In the meantime, both parties are likely to intensify their public relations campaigns, with the APC emphasising Adeola’s policy platform and the opposition continuing to raise doubts about his eligibility.

For voters, the key takeaway is to scrutinise the evidence presented rather than rely on hearsay. As the 2026 election draws nearer, the electorate will have to weigh the importance of origin claims against the candidate’s vision for Ogun’s future.

FAQ

• Q: What legal document proves a candidate’s state of origin in Nigeria? A: The primary documents are the birth certificate, voter registration card, and any sworn affidavit submitted to INEC during the nomination process.
• Q: Can a candidate be disqualified after winning an election? A: Yes. If a tribunal finds that a candidate falsified their origin or any other eligibility criterion, the election can be nullified and a by‑election called.
• Q: How likely is it that the court will rule in favour of Solomon Adeola? A: The outcome depends on the strength of documentary evidence and witness testimony. With his step‑mother’s willingness to testify, the defence appears robust, but the final decision rests with the tribunal.

As the Ogun governorship race heads into its final stretch, the focus on Solomon Adeola state of origin serves as a reminder that identity politics remains a potent force in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. Voters and observers alike will be watching closely to see whether the legal challenge resolves the controversy or simply adds another chapter to the state’s vibrant political saga.

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