By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the personal particulars and credentials of 19 presidential candidates and their running mates contesting the 2027 general election.
The publication is in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires the electoral body to display the details of candidates after receiving their nomination forms.
The exercise also allows members of the public and other eligible persons to examine the information submitted by the candidates.
According to the list released by INEC, President Bola Tinubu will contest the election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, with Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar is the Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is his running mate.
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, is listed as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as his running mate.
Other presidential candidates on the list include Senator Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Omoyele Sowore; and Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
The list also features candidates from several other political parties, including the National Democratic Party, Young Progressives Party, Action Alliance, Boot Party, Democratic Liberty Alliance, Zenith Labour Party, Labour Party, National Rescue Movement, Action Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Social Democratic Party, Allied Peoples Movement and Action Peoples Party.
The documents released by the commission contain details such as the candidates’ dates of birth, educational qualifications, occupations and other information submitted during the nomination process.
Tinubu’s documents indicate that he was born on March 29, 1952, and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University in 1979. He also stated that he participated in the National Youth Service Corps between December 1982 and November 1983.
Shettima’s records show that he attended Lamisula Primary School and Government Secondary School, Potiskum, before obtaining a Second Class Upper degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri. He later earned a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.
Atiku declared a First School Leaving Certificate and a West African School Certificate, as well as a master’s degree in International Relations from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020.
Amaechi’s credentials show that he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Studies and Literature from the University of Port Harcourt in 1987 and later acquired legal qualifications.
Obi’s records indicate that he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1984.
Kwankwaso, according to his submitted documents, obtained a Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering from Kaduna Polytechnic in 1980 and also presented an NYSC certificate showing his completion of national service.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Gbenga Olawepo Hashim were notably absent from the list released by the electoral commission.
The publication comes ahead of the commencement of presidential campaigns on August 19, as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 election.