The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the public display of the personal particulars and academic credentials submitted by presidential candidates for the 2027 general elections, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The exercise, which began on Saturday, features documents submitted by President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his running mate, Vice President Kashim Shettima.
INEC, in a statement posted on its official X handle, said the display is being conducted in compliance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires the commission to publish the credentials, personal particulars and affidavits submitted by candidates within 21 days of receiving them.
According to the commission, the documents are being displayed at its offices nationwide, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) headquarters in Abuja, the six Area Council offices, the Lagos State office in Sabo-Yaba and local government offices in affected constituencies.
The commission said the exercise is intended to promote transparency by allowing members of the public to scrutinise the credentials, affidavits and other documents submitted by candidates seeking elective offices.
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Representing the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the FCT, the Administrative Secretary, Bimbo Oladunjoye, said the publication of candidates’ particulars is a legal requirement under the Electoral Act.
She explained that the exercise covers presidential candidates and National Assembly candidates contesting elections in the FCT, adding that making the documents available across all Area Council offices would ensure easy public access and encourage wider participation in the electoral process.
Oladunjoye described the exercise as a critical component of transparent elections and urged citizens, political parties, civil society organisations and the media to take advantage of the opportunity to examine the documents.
“The Commission is on course with its preparations for the 2027 General Elections and will continue to carry out every stage of the electoral process in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2026, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines,” she said.
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections, noting that the public display of candidates’ personal particulars is aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence in the electoral process.
Documents displayed by the commission show that Tinubu obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, United States, on June 22, 1979.
His Form EC9 also contains his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, indicating that he served in Oyo State between December 1982 and November 1983.
The President’s employment history lists Mobil Nigeria Limited, where he worked from 1983 to 1992 before leaving for career advancement, the Lagos State Government, where he served as governor from 1999 to 2007, and the Federal Government, where he has served as President since 2023.
While the form lists his university qualification, the years for his primary and secondary school education were entered as “0000.” It also states that he was born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos, with his occupation listed as a politician.
Shettima’s documents trace his educational background from primary school to postgraduate studies. His records show that he attended Lamisula I Primary School between 1972 and 1978, where he finished second in a class of 22 pupils.
His West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result from Government Secondary School, Potiskum, obtained in 1983, shows six credits and passes, including distinctions in Religious Knowledge and Economics.
The documents also indicate that he graduated from the University of Maiduguri with a Second Class Upper degree in Agriculture in 1989 before earning a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan. His NYSC discharge certificate shows he completed his national service between October 1989 and October 1990.
INEC noted that members of the public may apply for certified true copies of nomination forms and other documents submitted by candidates and seek legal redress in cases involving alleged false declaration or forgery.
According to the commission’s revised timetable, campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin later.
President Tinubu and VP Shetima’s Credentials Displayed by INEC
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.