The publication of presidential nomination documents by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has offered Nigerians a detailed look at the educational qualifications and career histories submitted by leading contenders for the 2027 presidential election.
Among the candidates, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University in the United States.
His documents also include a National Youth Service Corps certificate and a record showing he worked with Mobil Nigeria Limited between 1983 and 1992 before entering politics.
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Tinubu listed his current employer as the Federal Government of Nigeria and stated in his sworn affidavit that he had never been dismissed from public service.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar submitted a Master’s degree in International Relations from Anglia Ruskin University.
His documents state that he voluntarily resigned from the Nigeria Customs Service in 1989 before venturing into business and politics.
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), also declared a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Unlike the other candidates, Obi described his occupation simply as “Public Servant.”
Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke submitted a Bachelor of Laws degree from Ahmadu Bello University.
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Africa Action Congress candidate Omoyele Sowore declared a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University, New York.
The documents, which include Form EC9, educational certificates, affidavits and employment histories, are available for public scrutiny as required by the Electoral Act.
INEC says the exercise is intended to promote transparency by allowing Nigerians to examine the credentials submitted by candidates before the publication of the final list.
The publication of the personal particulars of presidential and National Assembly aspirants is a legal requirement designed to promote transparency ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Commission on Saturday displayed the nomination forms, educational qualifications, affidavits and other supporting documents submitted by presidential hopefuls across the country.
According to INEC, the exercise is in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires the Commission to publish candidates’ particulars within 21 days of receiving them.
The display allows Nigerians, political parties, civil society organisations and the media to scrutinise the credentials submitted by candidates.
However, INEC stressed that the publication should not be mistaken for the final list of candidates.
Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayuo Oketola, explained that political parties still have until August 22 to withdraw or replace candidates in accordance with Section 31 of the Electoral Act.
The Commission is expected to publish the final list of candidates for the presidential and National Assembly elections on September 12, 2026.
INEC says the process is part of efforts to ensure openness, accountability and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
