The electoral body clears 18 flagbearers and running mates, confirming key contenders and party pairings ahead of the nationwide vote scheduled for January 16, 2027.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially published the final list of presidential and vice-presidential candidates for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The document was signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and published at the INEC headquarters in Abuja. It confirms that 18 political parties successfully submitted valid nominations for the presidential contest.
Incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is listed as the candidate for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), running alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The list features notable political realignments and party platforms. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is cleared as the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with former Transport Minister Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.
Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi is on the ballot as the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), paired with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Other key contenders listed include Oyo State Governor Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Omoyele Sowore for the African Action Congress (AAC), and Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo representing the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag is carried by Sandy Ojang Onor alongside Umaru Babangida.
The publication shows that two women are contesting for the presidency: Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and Nkem Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement (NRM). Four other women appear on the ballot as vice-presidential candidates across various parties.
The candidates range in age from 35 to 79. Moses Olusoji Adebisi of the Democratic Labour Alliance (DLA) is listed as the youngest presidential candidate at 35 years old.
The publication follows the conclusion of party primaries held between April and May 2026. Under the revised election timetable following the Electoral Act 2026, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
