The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) has set the field for the 2027 presidential election releasing a final list of 18 candidates and running mates that includes President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Gov. Peter Obi.
The list contains the names, parties, and running mates of candidates cleared to contest the February 2027 presidential poll.
INEC published the list under the signature of its secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, confirming that candidates from 18 parties will compete in the January 16, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
President Bola Tinubu will seek re-election on the All Progressives Congress ( APC) ticket, while Atiku Abubakar will run for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peter Obi for the Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC).
Other high-profile contenders include Oyo State Governor Oluseyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Sandy Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
Two women appear among the presidential contenders: Elizabeth Okwori of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
Four women are listed as vice-presidential candidates: Peace Egobia, Nafisat Usaku, Hajja Konto and Patience Key.
The candidates range in age from 35 to 79. Atiku Abubakar, at 79, is the oldest presidential candidate, followed by Bola Tinubu at 74; Moses Adebisi of the Democratic Labour Alliance ( DLA) at 35, is the youngest.
INEC scheduled the presidential and parliamentary vote for January 16, 2027, with governorship and state assembly elections to follow on February 6.
The commission revised its timetable after enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
The release effectively begins the formal campaign period, placing an incumbent president, two former vice-presidential or presidential rivals and a broad array of smaller-party candidates on the same national ballot.
