INEC Publishes 2027 Presidential Candidates’ Credentials, Sets Stage for Public Scrutiny
The race for Nigeria’s 2027 presidency entered a decisive phase on Saturday as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the personal particulars and academic credentials of the 19 presidential candidates and their running mates, opening the door for public scrutiny before campaigns officially commence on August 19.
The publication of Form EC9, as required under Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, gives Nigerians and interested parties the opportunity to examine the educational qualifications, dates of birth, occupations and other information submitted by candidates seeking the country’s highest office.
The list confirms President Bola Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Vice President Kashim Shettima retaining his place on the ticket for a second-term bid.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) will field former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alongside former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has paired former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Other prominent contenders include Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Senator Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adebayo Adewole of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and candidates of 10 other political parties.
The credentials submitted by the candidates also shed light on their educational backgrounds and professional histories.
Tinubu declared a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University obtained in 1979 and stated that he participated in the National Youth Service Corps between December 1982 and November 1983. However, his submission did not include details of his primary and secondary school education.
Atiku Abubakar listed his First School Leaving Certificate and West African School Certificate before declaring a Master’s degree in International Relations from Anglia Ruskin University, obtained in 2020.
Peter Obi submitted records showing that he attended St. Augustine’s Primary School and Christ the King College before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Rabiu Kwankwaso declared a Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering (Water Resources) from Kaduna Polytechnic and also submitted his National Youth Service Corps certificate.
Rotimi Amaechi listed qualifications ranging from a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies and Literature from the University of Port Harcourt to legal training at Baze University, the Nigerian Law School and King’s College London.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore submitted a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Lagos and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University in the United States.
Noticeably absent from INEC’s final list is former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose name had been linked with a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, as well as Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, following the Accord Party’s decision not to field a presidential candidate.
With the publication of candidates’ credentials, attention is expected to shift to possible legal challenges over nominations and qualifications, as well as the commencement of nationwide campaigns later this month, setting the stage for what promises to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched presidential elections.
