INEC clears 18 presidential candidates for Jan 16, 2027 election — Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, Makinde lead field
INEC has released the official list of 18 cleared presidential candidates for the January 16, 2027 election, drawn from 18 of Nigeria's 22 registered parties. APGA and the Youth Party did not nominate candidates, while NNPP withdrew its nominee during the substitution window. A Federal High Court order may add Accord Party's Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, bringing the total to 19.
The field includes President Bola Tinubu (APC, 74) seeking a second term, former VP Atiku Abubakar (ADC, 79) making his sixth presidential bid, Peter Obi (NDC, 65) now allied with Rabiu Kwankwaso, Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde (APM, 58) with former SSS DG Lawal Daura as running mate, former Cross River Governor Donald Duke (PRP, 65), and Sandy Onor (PDP, 60) representing the Wike-aligned faction — though a rival PDP faction backs Goodluck Jonathan.
Only two women lead presidential tickets: Ada Okwori (NDP, 48) and Esther Okereke (NRM, 43). Four women are VP candidates. The age range spans 35 (Moses Adebisi, DLA) to 79 (Atiku). Notable third-time candidates include Omoyele Sowore (AAC, 55) and Adewole Adebayo (SDP, 54).
Key dynamics to watch: PDP's unresolved factional split, whether Accord's court-ordered inclusion stands, and if Obi-Kwankwaso's combined 2023 vote share (7.5M+) transfers to their joint ticket. Campaigns officially begin now — track policy specifics beyond rhetoric, especially on fuel pricing (Duke promises ₦300/liter), security decentralisation (Makinde), and minimum wage proposals (Sowore's ₦500K/month).
Which candidate's track record and platform align with the Nigeria you want to see in 2027?