The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially published the complete list of 19 presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 general election. This development clears the path for campaigns to officially commence on August 19, 2026. The list was released on Saturday, August 1, 2026, and includes prominent political figures such as President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
Statutory Requirement Fulfilled
The publication of Form EC9 is a statutory requirement under Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026. This provision mandates INEC to publish the personal particulars of all candidates after receiving their nomination forms. The release provides an opportunity for the public and eligible persons to scrutinize the information submitted by each candidate and raise any concerns regarding the details contained in the forms. According to The Punch, this process is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
APC Ticket: Tinubu and Shettima
President Bola Tinubu will seek a second term in office under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Vice President Kashim Shettima named as his running mate. The duo's candidacy is expected to be a major focal point in the upcoming election, given their incumbency and the political weight of the APC. The list also includes other notable candidates such as Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Senator Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Full List of Presidential Candidates
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu – All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Atiku Abubakar – African Democratic Congress (ADC)
- Peter Obi – Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
- Senator Sandy Onor – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
- Omoyele Sowore – African Action Congress (AAC)
- Donald Duke – People's Redemption Party (PRP)
- Okwori Ada Elizabeth Frederick – National Democratic Party (NDP)
- Chukwu Anita Zugwai – Young Progressives Party (YPP)
- Rufai Adekunle Omoaje – Action Alliance (AA)
- Adenuga Sunday – Boot Party (BP)
- Memeh Samuel – Democratic Liberty Alliance (DLA)
- Nwanyanwu Daniel Danerechukwu – Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
- Okereke Sunday Chibuzor – Labour Party (LP)
- Okereke Iken Esther – National Rescue Movement (NRM)
- Abbas-Bin Aliyu – Action Democratic Party (AA)
- Dikwa Suleiman Mohammed – New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)
- Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer – Social Democratic Party (SDP)
- Seyi Makinde – Allied Peoples Movement (APM)
- Yusuf Kabiru – Action Peoples Party (APP)
Vice Presidential Candidates
In addition to the presidential candidates, INEC also published the list of vice presidential candidates. Notably, Vice President Kashim Shettima leads the APC ticket, while other prominent figures include Rotimi Amaechi (ADC), Rabiu Kwankwaso (NDC), and Shehu Hussaini (AA). The full list is as follows:
- Kashim Shettima – APC
- Rotimi Amaechi – ADC
- Rabiu Kwankwaso – NDC
- Shehu Hussaini – AA
- Egbeola Olawale Mertins – YPP
- Ike Chinazam – ADP
- Mustapha Usman Turaki – Boot Party
- Balogun Alex – DLA
- Chikwuemeka Uchenna Anthony – NDP
- Magashi Haruna Garba – AAC
- Umaru Babangida – PDP
- Konto Hajja Bintu – LP
- Hassan Khalid – ZLP
- Samuel Magdalene Gali – NRM
- Abubakar Isah – NNPP
- Buba Musa – PRP
- Bugaje Usman Mohammed – SDP
- Ibrahim Adamu Bala – APM
- Ofordile Peace Egobia – APP
Political Implications and Reactions
The release of this list has significant political implications as the nation gears up for the 2027 elections. The inclusion of multiple candidates from various parties underscores the competitive nature of the upcoming race. Political analysts suggest that the presence of strong contenders like Atiku and Obi could challenge the APC's dominance. The publication also allows for legal challenges, as any eligible person can now scrutinize the candidates' credentials and raise objections if necessary. According to Legit.ng, this move is expected to enhance the credibility of the electoral process.
ADC Chieftain Meets Shettima
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that former Adamawa governor and ex-senator, Bindow Jibrilla, reportedly planned to defect from the ADC to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. This move poses a threat to Atiku Abubakar, the ADC's 2027 presidential candidate. The report indicates that Bindow, who was projected to get the ADC governorship ticket in Adamawa, lost it to the cousin of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Omar Sulaiman. Bindow met with Vice President Shettima at the presidential villa to discuss political matters, further fueling speculation about his defection. This development adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape as parties finalize their strategies for the upcoming election.
