Presidential candidates for Nigeria’s 2027 election have been officially confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The final list, released in Abuja, includes 19 candidates from 18 political parties, with President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi among the leading contenders. The list also features other notable figures such as former Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Adesina and former Governor of Kwara State Abdulrahaman Abbas.
The inclusion of Tinubu, Atiku, and Obi marks a significant political alignment, as they represent major opposition and ruling party factions. Atiku, who previously ran against Tinubu in 2019, has continued to criticize the current administration over issues such as fuel subsidy removal and financial transparency. Meanwhile, Tinubu faces pressure from his own party and the opposition over economic management and public service delivery.
The final list was signed by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and includes a gender distribution showing 16 male and two female candidates. The upcoming election will see a competitive race, with candidates vying for the presidency and 469 National Assembly seats. The political landscape remains tense, with ongoing debates over policy, governance, and public trust.
