By Emmanuel Onyedika
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the nationwide display of the credentials and personal particulars of candidates for the 2027 general elections, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The exercise, which covers presidential, vice‑presidential and National Assembly candidates, is taking place at INEC offices across the country. It is designed to give members of the public the opportunity to scrutinise documents submitted by aspirants and raise objections where necessary.
Among the presidential candidates whose details were displayed are President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
An examination of the documents revealed differences in the academic information supplied. While Obi listed St. Augustine Primary School and Christ the King College in Anambra State with completion years, and Atiku indicated the years he completed his primary and secondary education, President Tinubu did not provide details of the primary and secondary schools attended or the years he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate and secondary school certificate.
Speaking during the exercise in Abuja, INEC’s Administrative Secretary in the FCT, Bimbo Oladunjoye, representing the Resident Electoral Commissioner, explained: “The publication of candidates’ particulars is a legal requirement under Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026. The exercise is being conducted simultaneously across all INEC offices in the six Area Councils of the FCT to ensure accessibility.”
She emphasised that the display is intended to promote transparency, accountability and public confidence in the electoral process. “We urge citizens, political parties, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to carefully examine the documents and take appropriate action where necessary,” Oladunjoye said.
She assured Nigerians that INEC remains committed to implementing every stage of the electoral process in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2026 and the Commission’s guidelines. “Preparations for the 2027 general elections are on course and the Commission is determined to conduct free, fair, credible and transparent polls,” she added.