INEC Publishes Presidential Candidates' Credentials

The Independent National Electoral Commission has published the personal particulars and credentials of presidential and National Assembly candidates for the 2027 general elections, in line with the Electoral Act, 2026.

The display, which took place on Saturday at INEC offices nationwide, is a statutory requirement under Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, mandating the commission to publish candidates’ particulars within 21 days of receipt.

Among the presidential candidates whose details were published are President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

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Tinubu’s running mate is Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Atiku is paired with former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, while Obi’s running mate is former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Other presidential candidates published include Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with Umaru Babangida as running mate; Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP); Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC); and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), among others.

INEC Ballot Box. Credit: Peoples Gazette.

The publication includes academic certificates, declarations, and other documents submitted by candidates.

However, INEC rejected former President Goodluck Jonathan’s nomination, which was submitted by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the PDP.

Victoria Eta-Messi, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, said nominations could only be processed through the commission’s designated online portal.

“Submission is only done on a dedicated portal as stipulated by our regulations and guidelines,” she explained.

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Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said the publication was in line with the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election released on February 26, 2026.

The Electoral Act provides for the display of Form EC9, containing candidates’ affidavits, credentials, and other personal particulars, for public scrutiny and objections.

Political campaigns for the presidential election are scheduled to commence on August 19, 2026, ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.