The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the particulars and credentials of the 19 presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 general election, ahead of the commencement of presidential and National Assembly campaigns on August 19.
The publication, carried out in accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, opens the window for Nigerians and other eligible persons to scrutinise the information and credentials submitted by candidates seeking election into the nation’s highest offices.
President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will seek re-election with Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is contesting on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as his vice-presidential candidate.
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), while former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is his running mate.
Other presidential candidates are Senator Sandy Onor (PDP), Omoyele Sowore (AAC), Donald Duke (PRP), Okwori Ada Elizabeth Frederick (NDP), Chukwu Anita Zugwai (YPP), Rufai Adekunle Omoaje (AA), Adenuga Sunday (Boot Party), Memeh Samuel (DLA), Nwanyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu (ZLP), Okereke Sunday Chibuzor (Labour Party), Okereke Iken Esther (NRM), Abbas-Bin Aliyu (ADP), Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed (NNPP), Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer (SDP), Seyi Makinde (APM) and Yusuf Kabiru (APP).
The documents published by the commission contain details of the candidates’ educational qualifications, dates of birth, occupations and other personal information submitted alongside their nomination forms.
Among the major contenders, Tinubu’s Form EC9 shows that he was born on March 29, 1952, and submitted a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration obtained from Chicago State University in 1979 as well as his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
The documents did not contain details of his primary and secondary school education.
His running mate, Shettima, submitted certificates showing that he attended Lamisula I Primary School and Government Secondary School, Potiskum, before earning a degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.
Atiku’s documents include his First School Leaving Certificate, West African School Certificate and a Master’s degree in International Relations obtained from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020.
Amaechi submitted academic credentials from St. Theresa’s Primary School, Government Secondary School, Okolobiri, the University of Port Harcourt, Baze University, the Nigerian Law School and King’s College London.
Obi’s documents show that he attended St. Augustine’s Primary School and Christ the King College before obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Kwankwaso submitted a Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering (Water Resources) with Upper Credit from Kaduna Polytechnic as well as his NYSC Certificate of National Service.
Other notable candidates also submitted their academic qualifications, including Donald Duke, who declared a law degree from Ahmadu Bello University, and Omoyele Sowore, who presented a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University alongside his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Lagos.
The list published by INEC, however, did not include former President Goodluck Jonathan, who had reportedly been nominated by the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Also, absent was Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, while the Accord Party did not field a presidential candidate after announcing that none of its aspirants met the nomination deadline.
Under the 2027 Election Timetable released by INEC, presidential and National Assembly campaigns will officially commence on August 19, 2026, following the publication of the candidates’ particulars and credentials.