The Independent National Electoral Commission has published the final list of 19 presidential candidates cleared to contest the 2027 general election.
The list places President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress among the leading contenders.
Tinubu is seeking re-election with Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate, while Atiku is paired with former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Obi is contesting under the NDC with former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate.
Other candidates on the list include Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress; former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party; Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party; and Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement.
The list also includes candidates from the Action Alliance, National Democratic Party, Young Progressives Party, Boot Party, Democratic Liberty Alliance, Zenith Labour Party, Labour Party, National Rescue Movement, Action Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Social Democratic Party and Action Peoples Party.
INEC’s publication contains the personal particulars submitted by the candidates, including their dates of birth, educational qualifications and occupations.
The publication is part of the electoral process and allows political parties, candidates and members of the public to scrutinise the information submitted to the commission.
INEC said the exercise is in line with the Electoral Act, particularly the requirement for the commission to publish the particulars of nominated candidates.
The 2027 presidential contest is expected to feature a major three-way battle involving Tinubu, Atiku and Obi, while other candidates seek to challenge the dominance of the major political blocs.
The commission has urged political parties, candidates and voters to adhere to the approved electoral timetable as preparations for the election intensify.