Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is 79, and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, aged 80, are among the oldest candidates listed for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, according to the final list of candidates released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The list contains 18 presidential candidates representing different political parties, with their ages ranging from 35 to 80 years. The candidates are expected to contest the presidential election scheduled for January 2027.
While Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), is the oldest person on the list at 80, Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the oldest presidential candidate at 79.
Other presidential candidates aged 60 and above include Sandy Ojang Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Gregory Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Donald Duke of the PRP and Daniel Nwanyanwu of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Meet the oldest presidential candidates
1. Atiku Abubakar — 79 years (ADC)
Atiku Abubakar, 79, is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress.
The former Vice-President is listed alongside his running mate, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who is 61 years old.
According to INEC’s final list, Atiku’s qualifications include FSLC, WASC and an MA in International Relations.
2. Bola Ahmed Tinubu — 74 years (APC)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 74, is the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He is seeking another term in office alongside his running mate, Kashim Shettima, who is 59.
INEC’s list records Tinubu’s qualification as a Bachelor of Science degree.
3. Rufai Adekunle Omo-Aje — 71 years (AA)
Rufai Adekunle Omo-Aje, 71, is the presidential candidate of the Action Alliance (AA).
His running mate is Shehu Hussaini, aged 56.
According to INEC’s list, Omo-Aje’s qualifications include FSLC and WAEC.
4. Peter Gregory Obi — 65 years (NDC)
Peter Gregory Obi, 65, is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
He is running alongside Mohammed Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, aged 69, as his vice-presidential candidate.
INEC’s list records Obi’s educational background as St Augustine’s Primary School, Christ the King College, a West African School Certificate and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
5. Donald Duke — 64 years (PRP)
Donald Duke, 64, is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party.
His running mate is Rabiu Kabiru, who is 80 years old, making him the oldest vice-presidential candidate on INEC’s list.
Duke’s qualifications, according to the electoral commission, include FSLC, WASC and an LLB degree.
6. Sandy Ojang Onor — 60 years (PDP)
Sandy Ojang Onor, 60, is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He is contesting alongside Umaru Babangida, aged 61, as his running mate.
INEC’s final list records Onor’s qualifications as FSLC, WASC and a PhD.
Other presidential candidates aged 50 and above
Beyond the six oldest presidential candidates, several others on the list are also aged 50 and above.
They include Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), aged 58; Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), aged 55; Yusuf Kabiru of the Allied Peoples Party (APP), aged 54; Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), aged 54; Peter Ada Agada of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), aged 54; and Sunday Adenuga of the Boot Party (BP), aged 52.
The list also includes Nkem Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), aged 43, and Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori of the National Democratic Party (NDP), aged 48, among other candidates.
INEC’s final list provides details of the candidates’ ages, genders, educational qualifications and running mates ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The election is expected to feature candidates from 18 political parties, with voters set to decide who will lead the country for the next presidential term.