Independent National Electoral Commission on Saturday released the personal particulars and academic credentials of 19 presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 general election.
The publication of Form EC9 fulfils a statutory requirement under Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, which obliges the commission to display candidates’ details after receiving nomination forms. The move enables the public to examine the submitted information before presidential campaigns begin on August 19.
According to the list, President Bola Tinubu will contest on the All Progressives Congress ticket with Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the African Democratic Congress candidate, paired with former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi. Former Anambra governor Peter Obi heads the Nigeria Democratic Congress ticket alongside former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Other presidential candidates include Senator Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party, Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress, Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement. The full roster also features candidates from smaller parties such as the Labour Party, Social Democratic Party and New Nigeria Peoples Party.
Documents submitted by Tinubu list a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University in 1979 and participation in the National Youth Service Corps from December 1982 to November 1983. No primary or secondary school details were included.
Shettima’s records show attendance at Lamisula I Primary School and Government Secondary School, Potiskum, followed by a Second Class Upper degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri in 1989 and a Master’s in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.
Atiku’s filings indicate a First School Leaving Certificate in 1954, a West African School Certificate in 1961, and a Master’s degree in International Relations from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020. Amaechi declared a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies and Literature from the University of Port Harcourt in 1987, plus subsequent law qualifications.
Obi’s Form EC9 records primary education at St. Augustine’s, a West African School Certificate from Christ the King College in 1978, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1984. Kwankwaso, born on October 21, 1956, submitted a Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering from Kaduna Polytechnic in 1980 and an NYSC certificate covering 1980–1981.
Sowore listed a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Lagos and a Master’s in Public Administration from Columbia University. Duke stated a law degree from Ahmadu Bello University.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, nominated by one faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, does not appear on the list. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, who claimed the Accord Party ticket, is also absent; the party earlier said it would not field a presidential candidate after its aspirants missed the nomination deadline.
The display of credentials forms part of INEC’s preparations for the January 16, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
