The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the personal particulars, educational qualifications and credentials of the 19 presidential candidates and their running mates contesting the 2027 general election, formally opening the statutory period for public scrutiny ahead of the commencement of campaigns on August 19.
The publication, made available on Saturday through candidates’ Form EC9, is in compliance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires the electoral umpire to display the personal particulars of candidates after receiving their nomination forms.
The disclosure enables Nigerians, political parties and other interested persons to examine the information submitted by candidates and, where necessary, challenge any perceived false declaration within the period prescribed by law.
According to the documents released by INEC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will seek re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Vice President Kashim Shettima retaining his position as running mate.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and selected former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as his vice-presidential candidate.
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi will contest under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Other notable presidential candidates include Senator Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), alongside candidates of 11 other political parties.
The documents also contain each candidate’s educational qualifications, dates of birth, occupations and supporting credentials submitted to INEC.
Notably absent from the published list are former President Goodluck Jonathan and Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, whose expected candidacies did not materialise following developments within their respective political parties.
The publication of Form EC9 marks another significant milestone in the 2027 electoral timetable, with presidential campaigns officially scheduled to begin on August 19 ahead of next year’s general election.
