The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the public display of the personal particulars, academic qualifications and supporting documents submitted by presidential candidates for the 2027 general elections, beginning with President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Tinubu credentials display began on Saturday in line with the provisions of Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires the electoral commission to publish candidates’ nomination documents within 21 days of receiving them.
Copies of President Tinubu’s Form EC9 show that he submitted a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University in the United States. His academic transcript indicates the degree was awarded with honours on June 22, 1979. The documents also include his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, showing that he served in Oyo State between December 1982 and November 1983.
According to the employment history contained in the form, Tinubu worked at Mobil Nigeria Limited from 1983 to 1992 before leaving for career advancement. He later served as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, with the end of his tenure recorded as “legal end of tenure.” His current employment is listed as the Federal Government of Nigeria, beginning in 2023.
His personal information states that he was born on March 29, 1952, in Lagos and is 74 years old. The form lists his residential address as No. 4 Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi, while his occupation is recorded as “politician.” While his university qualification is clearly listed, the sections for his primary and secondary school attendance contain “0000” as the years of attendance.
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s documents provide a more detailed educational history beginning from his primary education. His Certificate of Primary Education, issued by the Ministry of Education of the former North-Eastern State, shows he attended Lamisula I Primary School between 1972 and 1978. The record indicates he graduated second in a class of 22 pupils, with English, History and Religious Knowledge among his strongest subjects.
His West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result from Government Secondary School, Potiskum, dated June 1983, reflects credits and passes, including distinctions in Religious Knowledge and Economics. Shettima later earned a Second Class Upper Division degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri in August 1989 before obtaining a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan. His NYSC discharge certificate confirms he completed national service between October 1989 and October 1990.
INEC said the documents displayed through Form EC9 contain the personal particulars, credentials and affidavits submitted by candidates nominated by political parties. The commission displayed the documents at its offices nationwide, including the Lagos State office in Sabo-Yaba and Local Government Area offices in relevant constituencies, allowing members of the public to inspect them.
Under the Electoral Act, interested persons may request certified true copies of nomination forms and supporting documents submitted by candidates. The law also permits legal challenges where there are allegations of false declarations or forged credentials. Meanwhile, the commission has scheduled campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections to commence on August 19, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin later in accordance with the revised electoral timetable.
