Nigeria: Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, 15 Others Make Final Presidential Candidates' List

What the report says

Nigeria’s electoral commission has released the final list of presidential candidates and running mates for the 16 January 2027 general elections, according to Premium Times via AllAfrica. The list, issued in Abuja and signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, includes nominees sponsored by 18 political parties competing for the presidency.

Among the better-known candidates named are incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, and Peter Obi of the National Democratic Congress. The published list also names candidates from parties including the SDP, PRP, Labour Party and African Action Congress. INEC said it also released final candidate lists for the Senate and House of Representatives.

The article highlighted the gender balance on the presidential ticket: 16 of the 18 flag bearers are men and two are women. For vice-presidential slots, 14 are men and four are women. The gender breakdown is notable in a race that now has its field formally set, giving parties and voters a clearer picture of the contest ahead.

More broadly, final candidate lists are a routine but important step in Nigeria’s election calendar because they confirm who will legally appear on the ballot and help frame the campaign period before voting.