INEC Releases Final 2027 Presidential Candidate List as Tinubu, Atiku, Obi and Makinde Make the Cut

Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race has officially taken shape after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released its final list of presidential candidates and running mates.

The list contains 18 presidential candidates representing 18 political parties, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde among the major contenders.

The final list was signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony and published on September 12, 2026, ahead of the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

Tinubu, Atiku and Obi Confirmed

President Bola Tinubu is listed as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as his running mate.

Peter Obi is the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate.

Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, is also on the final list as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). His running mate is Musa Lawal Daura.

Other Presidential Candidates

The final list also includes African Action Congress candidate Omoyele Sowore, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party, Social Democratic Party candidate Adewole Adebayo and Labour Party candidate Sunday Chibuzor Okereke.

The Peoples Democratic Party is represented by Sandy Ojang Onor.

Two women are among the 18 presidential candidates: Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori of the National Democratic Party and Nkem Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement.

Overall, 16 of the 18 presidential candidates are men, while two are women. Four of the 18 vice-presidential candidates are women.

What the Final List Means

The publication moves the 2027 presidential contest into a more definitive phase.

Political parties have already begun campaigning, with INEC’s timetable providing for presidential and National Assembly campaigns to run until January 14, 2027, two days before election day.

The final candidate list also confirms that several of the politicians who have dominated discussions around the opposition coalition will be running separately.

Atiku is contesting on the ADC platform, Obi is running under the NDC, while Makinde is seeking the presidency through the APM.

This means the political landscape remains divided among several major presidential contenders, rather than being consolidated behind a single opposition candidate.

2027 Election Date

INEC has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

The governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

The electoral commission had earlier set September 12 as the date for publishing the final presidential and National Assembly candidate lists.

The publication of the final list does not mean the political contest is over. Candidates and parties still have months to campaign, build support and persuade voters before Nigerians head to the polls.

Key Facts

• INEC has published the final list of 18 presidential candidates for the 2027 election.

• President Bola Tinubu is the APC presidential candidate with Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

• Atiku Abubakar is contesting under the ADC with Rotimi Amaechi.

• Peter Obi is contesting under the NDC with Rabiu Kwankwaso.

• Seyi Makinde is the APM presidential candidate.

• Omoyele Sowore, Donald Duke and Adewole Adebayo are also among the candidates.

• Two women are contesting for president.

• The presidential election is scheduled for January 16, 2027.

Excerpt

INEC has released the final list of 18 presidential candidates for Nigeria’s 2027 election, confirming Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Seyi Makinde among the major contenders.