The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday has published the credentials and personal particulars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and other contenders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The publication, which also includes the credentials of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and other nominated candidates, is in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. Blueprint reports

The development comes barely weeks before the official commencement of campaigns for the 2027 presidential election, scheduled for August 19, giving Nigerians the opportunity to scrutinise the documents submitted by the candidates.

INEC complies with Electoral Act

The publication of the candidates’ credentials is in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the electoral umpire to display the personal particulars of candidates within 21 days of receiving them.

The provision is intended to promote transparency in the electoral process by allowing members of the public, political parties and other stakeholders to examine the qualifications and supporting documents submitted by candidates seeking elective offices.

The documents made available by INEC include academic certificates, declarations, affidavits and other supporting credentials submitted by the candidates during the nomination process.

Political parties, civil society organisations and eligible voters are expected to scrutinise the documents as part of efforts to ensure compliance with constitutional and legal requirements for elective offices.

Major contenders featured

Among the prominent candidates whose documents were displayed are those of President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Commission also published the credentials of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Similarly, the credentials of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, were made available for public inspection alongside those of other candidates contesting various elective positions.

Vice President Kashim Shettima’s credentials were equally displayed as part of the APC’s presidential ticket documentation.

Exercise opens window for scrutiny

The publication creates an opportunity for Nigerians to verify the authenticity of documents submitted by candidates before campaigns begin.

Legal practitioners note that the public display of candidates’ credentials is one of the safeguards introduced into Nigeria’s electoral process to enhance accountability and reduce disputes arising from alleged discrepancies in academic qualifications or personal information.

Where necessary, aggrieved persons who possess credible evidence against any information supplied by a candidate may approach the appropriate court in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Election observers have also described the exercise as an important aspect of deepening electoral transparency and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process.

Political activities gathering momentum

The release of the candidates’ credentials comes as political activities continue to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In recent weeks, political parties have concluded their presidential primaries, nominated running mates and submitted the names and particulars of their candidates to INEC within the stipulated timelines.

Attention is now shifting to the commencement of electioneering campaigns, which are expected to begin officially on August 19, in accordance with the timetable released by the electoral commission.

Analysts expect the coming weeks to witness increased political engagements, policy debates, campaign rallies and consultations as candidates seek to convince Nigerians to support their respective platforms.

Focus shifts to campaigns

With the publication of the candidates’ credentials completed, the next major milestone in the electoral calendar will be the commencement of campaigns across the country.

Political parties are expected to unveil their manifestoes, engage voters on critical national issues and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the polls.

For the electorate, the publication of candidates’ personal particulars provides another opportunity to evaluate those seeking the nation’s highest offices before campaigns begin in earnest.

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace, stakeholders have continued to call for issue-based campaigns, peaceful political engagement and strict adherence to the Electoral Act to ensure the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.