INEC list: the 10 youngest candidates in Nigeria's 2027 presidential race

Eighteen candidates will contest Nigeria's presidential election on January 16, 2027, according to the final list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on September 12, 2026. The field is led by older figures, including 79-year-old African Democratic Congress candidate Atiku Abubakar and 74-year-old incumbent President Bola Tinubu, but it also carries a younger set of contenders.

The youngest on the list is 35-year-old Moses Olusoji Adebisi of the Democratic Liberty Alliance (DLA). Two candidates are aged 43, and another is 44.

The youngest names on the ballot

The 10 youngest candidates cut across nine political parties and include two women, Ada Elizabeth Frederick Okwori of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and Nkem Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement (NRM). Their educational backgrounds vary widely, from secondary school and undergraduate qualifications to master's degrees and doctorates. Below are the names INEC listed from age 55 downwards.

Sowore and Adebayo lead the younger group

Omoyele Sowore, 55, is the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), a party he founded. The human rights activist, journalist and publisher is contesting for the third consecutive cycle, having run in 2019 and 2023. He emerged as the party's consensus candidate at its presidential primary in Abuja in May 2026 and stepped down as national chairman afterwards. He has described the AAC as the genuine opposition and pledged to pursue what he calls revolutionary change, citing corruption, unemployment and poor governance. INEC lists his qualifications as the First School Leaving Certificate, West African Examination Council certificate and a master's degree. His running mate is 49-year-old Magashi Haruna Garba.

Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo, 54, is the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate. A lawyer, entrepreneur and political activist, he was the SDP's flagbearer in 2023 and returned through a consensus arrangement at the party's convention and presidential primary in Bauchi in May 2026. His campaign has focused on economic hardship, insecurity, governance and living conditions. His published programme outlines a four-year agenda covering security, food, water, energy, healthcare, education, housing, employment, justice and digital access. His INEC-listed qualifications are the First School Leaving Certificate, West African School Certificate and Bachelor of Laws.

Smaller parties complete the list

Peter Ada Agada, 54, flies the flag of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), with Patience Ndidi Key as his running mate. INEC records his qualifications as the West African Examination Council certificate, Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration.

Yusuf Kabiru, 54, is the Action Peoples Party (APP) candidate. His running mate is Peace Egobia Ofordile. His credentials listed by INEC are the First School Leaving Certificate, Senior Secondary School Certificate and a National Diploma.

Sunday Adenuga, 52, is the Boot Party candidate and also the party's national chairman, according to INEC records. He was returned unopposed at its presidential primary in May 2026.

The age spread on the final list shows the ballot carries both the established political class and a smaller group of younger contenders, none of whom has held the presidency or vice presidency.