Politics
2027: INEC Releases Tinubu, Shettima’s Certificates for Public Scrutiny
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun the public display of the personal particulars and academic credentials submitted by candidates for the 2027 general elections, starting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The exercise commenced on Saturday in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires the electoral body to publish candidates’ nomination documents within 21 days of receiving them.
SEE ALSO: ‘Resign and Go in Peace’ — Okonkwo Tells Tinubu, Faults INEC Endorsement
Documents contained in Form EC9 show that President Tinubu submitted a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, United States. His transcript indicates the degree was awarded with honours on June 22, 1979.
The records also include his National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate, showing he served in Oyo State between December 1982 and November 1983.
According to the nomination form, Tinubu’s employment history includes Mobil Nigeria Limited, where he worked from 1983 to 1992 before leaving for “advancement,” the Lagos State Government, where he served until the “legal end of tenure” in 2007, and the Federal Government, where he has served since assuming office in 2023.
The form lists his date of birth as March 29, 1952, his place of birth as Lagos, and his occupation as a politician. While his university qualification is fully stated, the years for his primary and secondary education were entered as “0000.”
Vice President Shettima’s documents outline his educational journey from primary school to postgraduate studies. Records show he attended Lamisula I Primary School between 1972 and 1978 before moving to Government Secondary School, Potiskum, where he obtained his WAEC certificate in 1983.
He later graduated with a Second Class Upper degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri in 1989 and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.
His NYSC discharge certificate shows he completed national service between October 1989 and October 1990.
Explaining the exercise, INEC stated that “Form EC9 contains the credentials, personal particulars and affidavits submitted by candidates sponsored by political parties.”
The commission said the documents have been displayed at its offices nationwide to allow members of the public to inspect them.
It also reminded Nigerians that the Electoral Act permits interested persons to obtain certified true copies of nomination documents and seek legal redress where allegations of false declaration or forgery arise.
Meanwhile, campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to begin on August 19, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will commence later in accordance with the commission’s revised timetable.
Politics
2027: ‘Let Tinubu Finish the Good Work’ — Oba of Benin Backs President
The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has called for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be allowed to continue in office, saying the President deserves the opportunity to complete what he described as his good work.
The monarch made the remarks on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, when the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul’azeez Yari, led a delegation of leaders of the ruling party to the Benin Palace for consultations and prayers.
SEE MORE: Sunday Dare Highlights Tinubu’s Key Achievements, Fires Back at Steve Osuji
The delegation included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former governors, senators and other senior party leaders.
The remarks were disclosed by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications and Spokesperson to the President, in a post on X.
The Oba appeared to tacitly back Tinubu’s bid for a renewed four-year mandate, saying it was the prayer of the people that a leader who was doing well should be given the opportunity to continue.
“For somebody who is doing well, it is our prayer that he gets a renewed mandate,” the monarch said.
He added in Pidgin English, “As he Dey pain them. He Dey sweet us…”
The Oba also urged Nigerians and political leaders to focus on the President’s achievements and support areas where his administration was making progress.
“If one is doing well, why not join hands with the President to do what he is doing well. Let President Tinubu finish the good work,” he said.
The traditional ruler further quoted the Bible in making his case, saying, “Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.”
The monarch also asked the delegation to convey his best wishes to President Tinubu and thanked him for receiving him warmly in Abuja.
“Convey my best wishes to Mr. President. Give my appreciation to the President receiving me so warmly in Abuja,” he said.
The Oba’s comments come amid increasing political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with President Tinubu’s potential second-term bid expected to remain a major issue in the coming political season.
Politics
NDC Condemns Attack on Members in Enugu, Accuses APC of Sponsoring Thugs
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned an alleged attack on its members during a peaceful grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 14, 2026, the party described the incident as an “unprovoked and dastardly attack” and alleged that its members had been repeatedly targeted by state-sponsored thugs.
SEE MORE: 2027 Election: Obi–Kwankwaso Group Warns of Plot to Divide NDC in Enugu
The NDC said its members, as a registered political party, have a constitutional right to participate in the democratic process through peaceful assembly.
“This incessant assault on our members by state-sponsored thugs must stop,” the party said.
“No amount of intimidation will silence this constitutionally guaranteed right.”
The party alleged that the violence against its members in Enugu and other parts of the South-East amounted to an attack on democracy and the freedom of association guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
The NDC also accused security agencies of being complacent and slow to respond to attacks against opposition members in Enugu and across the South-East.
“We also condemn the complacency and lackadaisical attitude of the security agencies towards the opposition in Enugu and across the South-East,” the statement read.
According to the party, the alleged failure of security agencies to act promptly had emboldened those behind the attacks.
The NDC further claimed that it had previously suffered two attacks in Imo State during a town hall meeting and consultation involving its senatorial candidate, Uche Onyeagocha.
The party alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu was “jittery and disturbed” by what it described as the growing momentum of the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the party vowed to continue its political activities despite the alleged attacks.
“The NDC will not be cowed. We will continue to organise, mobilise, and defend the democratic space,” it said.
The party also called on security agencies to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible, including their alleged sponsors, are brought to justice.
“If the goal of those sponsoring these thugs and attacks is to instil fear in the hearts of the people, they have failed woefully,” the NDC said.
It added that the incident would instead strengthen its resolve to mobilise support for the party and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Politics
2027: I’ll Pay ₦500,000 Monthly Living Wage If Elected — Sowore Tells Nigerians
African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has promised to introduce a ₦500,000 monthly living minimum wage for Nigerian workers if elected president in 2027.
Sowore disclosed this in an interview with Independent Newspaper on Sunday, as he outlined his economic agenda ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
SEE MORE: Defamation Trial Takes Twist as Sowore Withdraws DSS DG Subpoena
He said the proposed wage would address the economic hardship facing Nigerian workers and reduce the gap between ordinary citizens and political office holders.
“We intend to change that fundamentally. We are proposing a ₦500,000 monthly living minimum wage because Nigerian workers cannot continue receiving starvation wages while senators, governors and political appointees consume millions every month,” Sowore said.
The AAC candidate said the wage proposal was part of a broader plan to ensure that Nigeria’s wealth benefits ordinary Nigerians.
He also promised to deliver 24-hour electricity, arguing that reliable power was necessary for economic growth and industrial development.
“We will deliver 24-hour electricity because no serious industrial economy can operate permanently on generators,” he said.
Sowore further pledged to make education free and accessible at all levels, construct one million public mixed-income homes, reform tenancy laws, improve healthcare and expand agricultural production and processing.
On the economy, he said his administration would focus on raising wages, reducing transportation and energy costs, supporting domestic manufacturing and agriculture, and investing in productive infrastructure.
“Economic policy must answer one basic question. Does it improve the material condition of the Nigerian people? If it does not, it has failed,” Sowore said.
He also promised an “uncompromising war against corruption” and vowed to recover public resources stolen by political office holders.
Sowore, who is contesting the presidency for the third time, said he believed AAC had a stronger chance in the 2027 election, with Nigerians serving as the party’s greatest strength.





