INEC RELEASES 18 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES IN FINAL LIST

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of 18 presidential candidates and their running mates for Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

The list, released on Saturday, September 12, 2026, was signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. It contains candidates sponsored by 18 political parties, formally setting the stage for the presidential contest scheduled for January 16, 2027.  

Among the major contenders are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).  

INEC’s final list comprises 16 male and two female presidential candidates. The publication marks a significant milestone in the 2027 electoral process, following the conclusion of party nominations and other pre-election procedures.  

The electoral commission’s timetable provides for the presidential and National Assembly elections to hold on January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.  

With the final presidential list now published, political parties and candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns ahead of what is shaping up to be a highly competitive presidential election.