INEC publishes Tinubu, Shettima’s credentials for public scrutiny ahead of 2027 election

INEC publishes Tinubu, Shettima’s credentials for public scrutiny ahead of 2027 election

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

The exercise is part of the statutory nomination process and provides members of the public with an opportunity to inspect the information and supporting documents submitted by candidates ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

INEC had fixed August 1 for the publication of the personal particulars of presidential and National Assembly candidates after political parties completed the submission of their nomination documents through the commission’s designated portal. (Punch Newspapers)

Documents contained in President Tinubu’s Form EC9 show that he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University in the United States.

His academic transcript indicates that the degree was awarded “with honours” on June 22, 1979.

The documents also include a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate showing that Tinubu completed his mandatory national service in Oyo State between December 1982 and November 1983.

According to the employment history provided in the nomination form, Tinubu worked at Mobil Nigeria Limited from 1983 to 1992 before leaving for what was described as “advancement.”

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The form also records his service as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and indicates that he has served under the Federal Government since 2023.

While the form lists his university qualification, the sections relating to his primary and secondary school attendance contain the entry “0000,” with no specific years stated.

The documents list Tinubu’s date of birth as March 29, 1952, and describe his occupation as “politician.”

The nomination documents submitted by Vice President Kashim Shettima provide details of his educational background from the primary school level.

His Certificate of Primary Education, issued by the Ministry of Education of the former North-Eastern State, indicates that he attended Lamisula I Primary School between 1972 and 1978.

The certificate states that Shettima graduated second in a class of 22 pupils, with English, History and Religious Knowledge listed among his strongest subjects.

His West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificate from Government Secondary School, Potiskum, dated June 1983, records six credits and passes, including distinctions in Religious Knowledge and Economics.

Shettima later obtained a Second Class Upper Division degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri in August 1989.

He subsequently earned a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.

His NYSC discharge certificate shows that he completed the national service programme between October 1989 and October 1990.

INEC said the publication of candidates’ personal particulars is intended to promote transparency and enable public scrutiny of the information submitted by political parties on behalf of their candidates.

The commission explained that Form EC9 contains candidates’ personal information, educational qualifications, supporting credentials and sworn declarations.

The documents have been displayed at designated INEC offices across the country, including state and local government offices linked to the relevant constituencies.

Members of the public may inspect the documents and, where necessary, seek certified true copies of candidates’ nomination forms and supporting records through the procedures provided by law.

The electoral framework also provides legal channels for eligible persons to challenge alleged false declarations, inaccurate information or forged credentials before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The public display does not amount to an independent verification or endorsement by INEC of every detail contained in the submitted documents. Rather, it forms part of the electoral nomination process and allows the public to review candidates’ particulars and pursue any concerns through established legal procedures.

The publication comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general election, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027. (INEC Nigeria)

The public display of the candidates’ records marks another major stage in the electoral process as political parties intensify preparations for the nationwide polls.

INEC publishes Tinubu, Shettima’s credentials for public scrutiny ahead of 2027 election