INEC Clears Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, Sowore, 14 Others For 2027 Presidential Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 general election, confirming an 18 way contest for Nigeria’s presidency.

The list, released in Abuja and signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, contains candidates sponsored by 18 political parties. The presidential field comprises 16 men and two women.

President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is seeking re-election, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will contest on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi is the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Other prominent contenders on the list include Oyo State Governor Oluseyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), African Action Congress candidate Omoyele Sowore, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The Labour Party is represented by Sunday Chibuizu Okereke, while other candidates include Rufai Adekunle Omo-Aje of the Action Alliance, Abbas-Bin Aliyu of the Action Democratic Party, Yusuf Kabiru of the Action Peoples Party, Sunday Adenuga of the Boot Party, Moses Olusolu Adebisi of the Democratic Labour Alliance and Peter Ada Agada of the Young Progressive Party.

The two female presidential candidates are Ada Elizabeth Frederick Okwori of the National Democratic Party and Nkem Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement. Four women also feature among the vice-presidential candidates.

The list shows that Atiku, 79, is the oldest presidential candidate, while Adebisi of the DLA, 35, is the youngest. President Tinubu is listed at 74, while Obi is 65.

For the major tickets, Tinubu will retain Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate, Atiku is paired with former Rivers State governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, while Obi is paired with Musa Mohammed Rabiu Kwankwaso, according to the published list.

The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, with governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections to follow on February 6.

The publication of the final list formally sets the stage for the presidential race, with the incumbent seeking another term and a field of opposition candidates preparing to challenge the APC for control of the presidency.