PHOTOS: INEC displays Tinubu, Shettima’s credentials ahead of 2027 polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the public display of the personal particulars and academic credentials submitted by presidential candidates for the 2027 general election, including those of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The exercise, which began on Saturday, is in compliance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, requiring the commission to publish candidates’ nomination forms, credentials and affidavits for public scrutiny.

Documents contained in Tinubu’s Form EC9 show that he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, United States, in June 1979. His transcript indicates the degree was awarded with honours.

The documents also include his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, showing he served in Oyo State between December 1982 and November 1983.

According to the form, Tinubu worked with Mobil Nigeria Limited from 1983 to 1992 before serving as Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007. He has served as President of Nigeria since 2023.

His personal details list his date of birth as March 29, 1952, his birthplace as Lagos, his occupation as politician and his residential address as Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos.

However, the sections indicating the years he attended primary and secondary schools were marked “0000,” while only his university qualification was specified.

Shettima’s documents provide details of his educational background from primary school through postgraduate studies.

His Certificate of Primary Education shows he attended Lamisula I Primary School between 1972 and 1978, while his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) result from Government Secondary School, Potiskum, recorded six credits and passes, including distinctions in Religious Knowledge and Economics.

The Vice President later obtained a Second Class Upper Division degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri in 1989 before earning a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.

His NYSC certificate shows he completed national service between October 1989 and October 1990.

INEC said Form EC9 contains the personal particulars, credentials and affidavits submitted by candidates nominated by political parties.

The documents have been displayed at the commission’s offices nationwide, including state headquarters and local government offices.

Under the Electoral Act, members of the public may obtain certified true copies of nomination documents from INEC and challenge any alleged false declaration or forged credentials through the courts.

According to the commission’s timetable, campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will begin at a later date.