INEC Publishes Atiku, Obi, Tinubu Nomination Documents, Sets August 22 Withdrawal Deadline
By Ebi COLLINS
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the personal particulars and nomination documents of the presidential candidates of major political parties for the 2027 general election, including President Bola Tinubu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi.
Also published were the nomination documents of the candidates’ running mates, including Rotimi Amaechi (ADC) and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (NDC), in compliance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates the commission to make candidates’ particulars available for public scrutiny.
The documents, contained in Form EC9, include the candidates’ personal information, educational qualifications, work history, affidavits and other supporting documents submitted to INEC by their respective political parties.
According to Obi’s nomination papers, he declared his occupation as a public servant and listed his residential address in Onitsha, Anambra State. His credentials show that he attended St. Augustine’s Primary School, obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1973, proceeded to Christ the King College where he earned his West African School Certificate in 1978, and later graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1984.
The documents also show that Obi successfully completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme between May 1985 and May 1986, while his running mate, Kwankwaso, submitted his educational qualifications, work history and other statutory documents required for nomination.
Explaining the publication, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the exercise forms part of the commission’s approved timetable for the 2027 general election.
He noted that while the personal particulars of presidential and National Assembly candidates have now been published, those of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates will be displayed on August 29, 2026, in accordance with the Electoral Act.
Also confirming the exercise, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, said Form EC9 contains candidates’ affidavits, credentials and other personal particulars, adding that the documents would be displayed at all INEC state offices and constituency offices nationwide for public inspection.
INEC, however, clarified that the publication of the nomination documents does not constitute the release of the final list of candidates. The commission said political parties have until August 22, 2026, to withdraw or substitute nominated candidates, while the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates will be published on September 12, 2026.
