The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday published the names and personal particulars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other candidates contesting the 2027 general elections, marking another milestone in preparations for the polls.
However, the name of the presidential candidate of the Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former President Goodluck Jonathan, is conspicuously absent from the list.
The display, conducted at the commission’s headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and simultaneously across the six Area Council offices, was carried out in compliance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The exercise covers presidential candidates as well as National Assembly candidates contesting elections in the FCT and is intended to allow members of the public to scrutinise the information submitted by aspirants seeking elective offices.
Speaking during the exercise, the FCT Administrative Secretary of INEC, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, who represented the Resident Electoral Commissioner, said the publication of candidates’ particulars is a statutory requirement designed to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
According to her, the display includes candidates’ personal particulars, affidavits and other supporting documents submitted to the commission.
She explained that the exercise is being conducted simultaneously across all INEC offices in the six Area Councils to ensure easy public access.
Olodunjoye said the publication of candidates’ credentials provides citizens, political parties, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders with an opportunity to verify the information submitted by those seeking public office.
She encouraged Nigerians to carefully examine the documents and make use of the legal provisions available where necessary.
The administrative secretary assured that the commission remains committed to implementing every stage of the 2027 electoral timetable in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2026, and INEC’s regulations and guidelines.
“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 also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections, urging all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at ensuring a successful electoral process.
The publication of candidates’ personal particulars is one of the statutory requirements under Nigeria’s electoral framework and provides a window for public scrutiny before the conduct of the elections.
