INEC Chairman

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the publication of the personal particulars, academic credentials and other nomination documents submitted by candidates contesting the 2027 presidential, Senate and House of Representatives elections.

The exercise, which began on Saturday, is in line with the Commission's revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, which designated August 1 for the public display of the credentials of presidential and National Assembly candidates.

Among the presidential candidates whose documents are being displayed are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside candidates nominated by other political parties.

INEC said the publication also covers all candidates seeking election into the Senate and House of Representatives across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Commission explained that the exercise is a statutory requirement aimed at promoting transparency in the electoral process by allowing members of the public to examine the documents submitted by candidates before the elections.

Under Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, INEC is required to publish the personal particulars of candidates within 21 days of receiving their nomination documents in the constituencies where they intend to contest.

The Electoral Act also empowers any individual who believes that information supplied by a candidate is false to approach the Federal High Court under Section 29(5) to seek a declaration challenging the authenticity of the documents or affidavits submitted.

The publication of candidates' credentials represents another key milestone in preparations for the 2027 general election, coming after the successful conclusion of party primaries and the submission of nomination forms by political parties.

According to INEC's election timetable, the next major phase of the electoral process will be the commencement of campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections will begin later in line with the Commission's approved schedule.