The Department of State Services has intensified security for all 18 presidential candidates and their running mates, acting on a directive from President Bola Tinubu to ensure a free and fair election, The Nation has learnt.

The security cover extends to vice-presidential candidates, including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi who is running on the African Democratic Congress ticket with Atiku Abubakar, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso who is Peter Obi’s running mate on the Nigeria Democratic Congress platform.

A security source confirmed that President Tinubu “ordered a non-partisan protective measures for all presidential candidates and their deputies no matter how toxic their campaign tactics may be.”

“Tinubu is determined to win a free and fair poll. As a democrat, he has security agencies to ensure a level-playing field for all,” the source told The Nation.

The DSS has also extended security coverage to all governorship candidates and their running mates, while National and State Assembly election candidates in flashpoint areas have been placed under heavy surveillance. All 18 presidential candidates—including Atiku Abubakar (ADC), Peter Obi (NDC), Omoyele Sowore (AAC), Donald Duke (PRP) and incumbent President Bola Tinubu (APC)—are being provided with protective details.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission on Saturday published the final list of candidates for next year’s governorship and state assembly elections across all 36 states, allowing for public scrutiny of candidates’ personal details.

In Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC), former Commissioner Bimbo Adekanmbi (APM), business mogul Adegboyega Adegoke (ADC) and Hazeem Gbolarumi (PDP) lead the gubernatorial race. The Labour Party was absent from Ogun State’s list entirely following a court case over a leadership crisis in the state chapter.

In Rivers State, APC’s Chinda Kingsley Ogundu will face PDP’s Ejekwu Samuel Soni, ADC’s Gabriel Pidomson and NDC’s Lulu-Briggs Dumo Owukori. Meanwhile, 250 candidates will contest the 24 legislative seats in Bayelsa State.

Former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, who had secured the SDP ticket after defecting from APC, was conspicuously missing from the Nasarawa State governorship list. Incumbent Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto (APC) will face 18 other candidates in Sokoto State.

In Kwara State, APC’s Yakubu Danladi Salihu, PDP’s Kawu Sulaiman Bolakale and 16 others are listed for the governorship race. Edo State’s Deputy Speaker, Hon. Atu Osawonyi, was also missing from the state assembly list.

The publication of the candidates’ list opens a 30-day window for complaints and objections ahead of the 2027 general elections.