INEC Releases Candidates' Academic Records for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shared the personal details, academic records, and other documents from presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 general elections.

These documents are on display at INEC offices nationwide, as required by the Electoral Act 2026. But as of now, they are not yet available on the commission’s website.

This publication follows Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026. This section mandates INEC to show the personal details and supporting documents submitted by candidates.

"The Commission shall, within 21 days of the receipt of the personal particulars of the candidate, publish same in the constituency where the candidate intends to contest the election," the section states.

This publication allows the public, political parties, and other interested individuals to check the credentials and affidavits provided by candidates before the elections.

Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), submitted his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University. He earned this degree in 1979.

Like in the 2023 election, Mr. Tinubu did not include any details or certificates about his primary and secondary education in the documents shown by INEC.

His records show that he completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program from December 1982 to November 1983. They also reveal that he worked at Mobil Nigeria Limited from 1983 to 1992 before entering politics.

Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), submitted documents detailing his education from primary school to postgraduate studies.

These documents include his First School Leaving Certificate from 1954, his West African School Certificate from 1961, and a Master of Arts degree in International Relations awarded in 2020.

Obi

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), provided documents showing his education history. He attended Augustine’s Primary School in 1973 and Christ the King College, Onitsha in 1978. He graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1984.

Submission of Candidates' Names

All political parties have recently uploaded their candidates' names to the INEC portal. This follows the conclusion of their primaries according to the INEC timetable and schedule for the 2027 elections.

The parties have uploaded the names of their presidential and vice-presidential candidates, as well as their governorship and deputy governorship candidates. They also included candidates for the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.