The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the nationwide public exhibition of personal particulars and academic records for presidential contenders ahead of the 2027 general election.
Kicking off on Saturday, the mandatory display features documents submitted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket, comprising President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
In line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, which mandates the publication of candidate submissions within 21 days of receipt, the documents, compiled in Form EC9, have been posted at INEC offices across the country, including the Lagos State office in Sabo-Yaba and local government headquarters. The legislation empowers citizens to request certified true copies and seek legal redress over any allegations of forgery or false declarations.
According to documents filed by President Tinubu, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, which his transcript shows was awarded “with honours” on 22 June 1979. His National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) records indicate he served in Oyo State from December 1982 to November 1983.
His employment history highlights roles at Mobil Nigeria Limited (1983–1992), the Lagos State Government (1999–2007), and the Federal Government (2023 to present), while his primary and secondary school attendance dates were recorded as “0000”. The 74-year-old politician, born on 29 March 1952, lists his residence as No. 4, Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Vice-President Shettima’s credentials trace an academic progression beginning at Lamisula I Primary School (1972–1978) under the North-Eastern State Ministry of Education, where he finished second out of 22 pupils. He subsequently attended Government Secondary School, Potiskum, obtaining six WAEC credits in June 1983.
He earned a Second Class Upper degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri in August 1989, followed by a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan, prior to completing his NYSC service between October 1989 and October 1990.
Explaining the statutory procedure, the commission noted:
“Form EC9 contains the credentials, personal particulars and affidavits submitted by candidates sponsored by political parties.”
Following the conclusion of the display phase, official campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to launch on 19 August, with governorship and state assembly campaigns to follow under the commission’s revised timetable.