Osaretin Osadebamwen
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun the public display of academic credentials and personal details submitted by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, the APC presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2027 general election.
The commission explained that the exercise, which started on Saturday, complies with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, requiring publication of candidates’ particulars within 21 days of receipt.
“Form EC9 contains the credentials, personal particulars and affidavits submitted by candidates sponsored by political parties,” INEC stated.
Tinubu’s Form EC9 highlighted his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, awarded with honours in 1979.
It also recorded his NYSC service in Oyo State from December 1982 to November 1983, and employment history with Mobil Nigeria Limited, the Lagos State Government, and the Federal Government. His date of birth was listed as March 29, 1952.
Shettima’s documents traced his education from primary school through university. He attended Lamisula I Primary School between 1972 and 1978, later earning six credits in his WAEC exams at Government Secondary School, Potiskum, in 1983.
He graduated with a Second Class Upper degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri in 1989 and obtained a Master’s in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan. His NYSC records showed service between October 1989 and October 1990.
INEC clarified that the public may apply for certified true copies of nomination forms and other documents, with legal recourse available in cases of alleged forgery or false declarations.
The commission’s updated timetable confirmed that campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, with governorship and state assembly campaigns to follow.
