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 election, beginning with President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The documents, published in Form EC9 at INEC offices nationwide on Saturday, contain information on the candidates’ educational qualifications, work history, personal details and supporting affidavits, in line with the provisions of Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
President Tinubu’s submission shows he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, United States, graduating with honours on June 22, 1979. His documents also include his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, indicating he served in Oyo State between December 1982 and November 1983.
According to the form, Tinubu’s employment history includes his time at Mobil Nigeria Limited from 1983 to 1992, his tenure as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, and his current role as President of Nigeria, which began in 2023.
The form lists his date of birth as March 29, 1952, his birthplace as Lagos, and identifies his occupation as a politician. While his university qualification is fully stated, the years for his primary and secondary school education are recorded as “0000.”
Shettima’s documents provide details of his educational journey from primary school through postgraduate studies. He attended Lamisula I Primary School from 1972 to 1978, where he graduated second in his class. His West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result from Government Secondary School, Potiskum, reflects six credits and passes, including distinctions in Religious Knowledge and Economics.
The Vice President later earned a Second Class Upper degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri in 1989 before obtaining a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan. His NYSC certificate shows he completed national service between October 1989 and October 1990.
INEC said Form EC9 contains the credentials, personal particulars and affidavits submitted by candidates nominated by political parties.
The commission noted that the documents are available for public inspection at its state and local government offices, adding that Nigerians may request certified true copies of nomination documents and seek legal action where there are allegations of false declarations or forged credentials.
Campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to begin on August 19, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will commence later in accordance with INEC’s revised election timetable.
