The exercise is aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence in the electoral process by allowing citizens, political parties, civil society organisations
By Mmesoma Onwuka
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun the public display of the personal particulars and supporting documents submitted by candidates seeking the presidency in the 2027 general election, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Among the documents available for public inspection are those submitted by President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside other presidential candidates whose nomination papers have been accepted by the Commission.
The exercise is in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which mandates INEC to publish candidates’ personal particulars, affidavits and other relevant documents to enable members of the public to examine them before the elections.
The documents on display include completed nomination forms (Form EC9), academic certificates, sworn affidavits, employment records and other supporting credentials submitted as part of the nomination process.
In a statement, INEC said the exercise is aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence in the electoral process by allowing citizens, political parties, civil society organisations, the media and other stakeholders to scrutinise the information provided by candidates seeking elective offices.
Speaking during the exercise in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Administrative Secretary of INEC in the FCT, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, who represented the Resident Electoral Commissioner, described the publication of candidates’ particulars as a statutory obligation.
She explained that the display covers presidential candidates as well as National Assembly candidates contesting elections in the FCT, adding that similar displays are taking place simultaneously at INEC offices across the six Area Councils to ensure easy public access.
Oladunjoye reiterated the Commission’s commitment to conducting every stage of the electoral process in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2026, and INEC’s regulations and guidelines.
She further noted that the publication allows members of the public to verify the information submitted by candidates. Under the Electoral Act, anyone who believes that any information contained in a candidate’s affidavit is false has the right to challenge it through the courts.
Campaigns for the 2027 presidential election are scheduled to commence on August 19, 2026, while Nigerians are expected to vote on January 16, 2027, to elect the country’s next president.