INEC Releases Final 2027 List of 18 Presidential Candidates, Setting Stage for Epic Electoral Showdown

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally published the final list of presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 general elections, clearing the path for what promises to be a fiercely contested electoral battle.

The comprehensive document, signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, features candidates fielded by 18 registered political parties. The release marks a critical milestone on the electoral timetable, coming on the heels of party primaries and the statutory window for candidate substitutions.

Topping the high-profile roster is incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, flying the flag of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima. The opposition landscape features intense alignments, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar contesting under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi leading the ticket for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) alongside former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his vice-presidential running mate.

Other notable names on the ballot include Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, running under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM); former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP); and human rights campaigner Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC).

According to data released by the electoral commission, the presidential hopefuls span an age bracket of 35 to 79 years. The field features two female presidential flagbearers—Ada Elizabeth Frederick Okwori of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and Nkem Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement (NRM)—while four women feature as vice-presidential candidates.

Simultaneously, INEC published the final lists for the National Assembly elections, clearing thousands of candidates for senatorial and federal house of representatives seats. With the legal framework fully established, the electoral commission reminded all political actors to adhere strictly to campaign guidelines and financial regulations as parties intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of the presidential and parliamentary polls scheduled for January 16, 2027.