2027: INEC displays Tinubu, Shettima’s credentials
President’s Qualifications Under Review as INEC Publishes Credentials
By Omeiza Ajayi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has initiated the public display of academic and personal credentials submitted by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Both are the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the 2027 general election.
This exercise, which began on Saturday, aligns with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026. The law mandates the publication of candidates’ details within 21 days of receiving their submissions.
According to INEC, “Form EC9 contains the credentials, personal particulars and affidavits submitted by candidates sponsored by political parties.”
Documents accessible at INEC offices nationwide provided insight into Tinubu’s academic and professional background. His Form EC9 indicates he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, graduating with honors on June 22, 1979.
The form also included his National Youth Service Corps records, confirming his service in Oyo State from December 1982 until his demobilization in November 1983. Tinubu’s employment history lists three positions: at Mobil Nigeria Limited from 1983 to 1992, with the Lagos State Government from 1999 to 2007 during his tenure as governor, and with the Federal Government of Nigeria since 2023.
Notably, the entries for his primary and secondary school education were marked as “0000,” with only his university qualification specifying a year. His personal details include a date of birth of March 29, 1952, identifying him as 74 years old, with Lagos listed as his place of birth and Ikoyi as his residential address.
In contrast, Shettima’s documents detailed his educational journey from primary school. His Certificate of Primary Education, issued by the Ministry of Education of the former North-Eastern State, confirmed attendance at Lamisula I Primary School from 1972 to 1978, where he ranked second out of 22 pupils in his final year. His strengths included English, History, and Religious Knowledge.
Shettima’s West African Examination Council result from Government Secondary School, Potiskum, in June 1983 reflected six credits and passes, with distinctions in Religious Knowledge and Economics. He completed a degree in Agriculture at the University of Maiduguri in August 1989, followed by a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan. His National Youth Service Corps records confirmed his service from October 1989 to October 1990.
INEC highlighted that the public may request certified true copies of the candidates’ nomination forms and may pursue legal action in cases of alleged false declaration or forgery.
The commission’s revised timetable indicates that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, with governorship and state assembly campaigns to follow.
