2027 election: INEC begins public display of presidential candidates' credentials, affidavits and personal particulars

Image caption: INEC officials commence the public display of candidates' personal particulars for the 2027 General Elections

• INEC has begun displaying the personal particulars, affidavits and supporting documents submitted by candidates for the 2027 General Elections.

• The exercise is aimed at promoting transparency and allowing Nigerians to scrutinise candidates' credentials before the elections.

• The public display is a legal requirement under Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the public display of the personal particulars submitted by candidates nominated for the 2027 General Elections, marking another key milestone in the country's electoral process.

The exercise, announced by INEC's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Office, is being carried out in accordance with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires the electoral body to publish candidates' personal particulars, affidavits and other relevant documents for public inspection.

According to the commission, the display began at the INEC FCT State Headquarters in Abuja and simultaneously across the six Area Council offices within the Federal Capital Territory.

The publication covers presidential candidates as well as National Assembly candidates contesting elections in the FCT.

READ ALSO: Obasanjo says picking Atiku was his biggest mistake, thanks God for stopping him from harming Nigeria

INEC said the exercise is intended to strengthen transparency in the electoral process by giving Nigerians the opportunity to examine the information submitted by candidates seeking elective office.

Representing the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), FCT, the Administrative Secretary, Mrs Bimbo Oladunjoye, said the public display is a statutory requirement designed to promote accountability and public confidence in elections.

She explained that the Commission is displaying candidates' personal particulars, affidavits and other supporting documents submitted during the nomination process.

Mrs Oladunjoye urged citizens, political parties, civil society organisations, and members of the media to take advantage of the exercise by carefully scrutinising the published information.

"The publication of candidates' particulars is a statutory requirement under Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which mandates the Commission to display the personal particulars, affidavits and other relevant documents of candidates in the constituencies where they intend to contest elections," she said.

READ NEXT: Tinubu’s victory, Obi’s heartbreak: Shocking 2027 prophecy sparks political debate

Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, requires INEC to publicly display the personal particulars and supporting documents submitted by candidates after political parties complete the nomination process.

The provision is intended to ensure transparency by allowing voters and other stakeholders to verify the information submitted by candidates before the elections.

Where any individual believes that a candidate has provided false information in documents submitted to INEC, the Electoral Act provides a legal process through which such claims may be challenged before the courts within the prescribed timeframe.

Mrs Oladunjoye said the Commission remains committed to implementing every stage of the electoral timetable in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and its own regulations.

"The Commission is on course with its preparations for the 2027 General Elections and will continue to carry out every stage of the electoral process in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2026, and the Commission's Regulations and Guidelines," she said.

READ NEXT: From sex-for-marks to forced handout sales: Why Kogi Polytechnic suspended 7 academic staff members

The publication of candidates' credentials is one of the accountability mechanisms built into Nigeria's electoral system.

By making candidates' academic qualifications, affidavits and other personal particulars available for public scrutiny, INEC provides an opportunity for citizens to examine the documents submitted by aspirants before campaigns progress further.

The Commission says the process is intended to promote openness, strengthen public confidence and ensure compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act as preparations continue for the 2027 General Elections.