The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially unveiled the personal particulars of 19 presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 general election, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested presidential races in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The Commission on Saturday displayed the candidates’ Form EC9, educational qualifications, affidavits and other statutory documents at its offices in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The publication immediately ignited political discussions across the country, with the names of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi dominating public attention. Equally striking was the absence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, despite claims by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that it had submitted his name to the electoral umpire.
Arranged alphabetically by political party, the list places the Action Alliance (AA) first with Adekunle Rufai Omoaje as its presidential candidate and Shehu Hussaini as his running mate.
The African Action Congress (AAC) occupies the second position on the ballot, presenting Omoyele Sowore as its presidential candidate alongside Magashi Haruna Garba as the vice-presidential candidate.
President Bola Tinubu is seeking a second term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), retaining Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate, while Peter Obi is flying the flag of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), paired with Musa Kwankwaso.
Other prominent candidates include Senator Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), running with Umaru Babangida; former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), with Buba Musa as his running mate; and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who is contesting on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) alongside Ibrahim Adamu Bala.
The remaining presidential candidates are Abbas-Bin Aliyu (Action Democratic Party), Yusuf Kabiru (All Peoples Party), Adenuga Sunday (Boot Party), Memeh Samuel (Democratic League of Africa), Okwori Ada Elizabeth Frederick (National Democratic Party), Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed (New Nigeria Peoples Party), Okereke Iken Esther (National Rescue Movement), Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer (Social Democratic Party), Chukwu Anita Zugwai (Young Progressives Party), and Nwanyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu (Zenith Labour Party).
INEC explained that the publication was carried out pursuant to Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires the Commission to display the personal particulars and credentials submitted by political parties within 21 days of receiving them.
The Commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, stressed that the publication should not be interpreted as the final list of candidates, noting that political parties are permitted to withdraw or substitute candidates until August 22, 2026, in accordance with Section 31 of the Electoral Act.
According to the Commission, the final list of candidates for the 2027 presidential election will be published on September 12, 2026.
Among the documents attracting public attention were those submitted by President Tinubu, which indicate that he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, United States, in 1979, and completed the National Youth Service Corps between December 1982 and November 1983. His date of birth was listed as March 29, 1952.
The publication also deepened questions over the absence of former President Goodluck Jonathan, despite earlier claims by a PDP faction led by Tanimu Turaki that it had presented him to INEC as the party’s presidential candidate.
Reacting to the development on Sunday, AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore urged Nigerians to support his party at the polls.
“Your favorite is Number Two on this list, the candidate of the revolutionary AAC Party. Vote for courage, competence and a clear vision for the future,” Sowore said.
Campaigns for the 2027 presidential election are scheduled to officially commence on August 19, 2026, as political parties prepare for an intense battle for the country’s highest office.