Amanze Chinonye
Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emerged as the sole aspirant for the 2027 presidential ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress following the close of sale of the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.
Obi disclosed on Wednesday that he successfully underwent the party’s presidential screening exercise held in Abuja on May 19, describing the process as thorough and professional.
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In a statement after the exercise, Obi said the screening, which lasted over two and a half hours, involved detailed verification of his academic certificates, National Youth Service Corps credentials and age declaration documents.
He added that he was also questioned on his vision for Nigeria and the type of leadership required to address the country’s current challenges.
“Yesterday, May 19th, in Abuja, I attended the Presidential screening organised by our party, which took over two and a half hours. They carefully reviewed all my documents, including my degree certificates, NYSC credentials, and age declarations,” Obi stated.
“During the process, I also addressed questions regarding my vision for a new Nigeria and the type of leadership our nation urgently needs right now. Following this, I was cleared and received the presidential nomination form I had previously paid for.”
The former governor commended the screening committee chaired by former Ebonyi State governor, Sam Egwu, for what he described as a diligent and transparent exercise.
He also praised the leadership of the party for adhering to democratic principles in the conduct of the process.
Meanwhile, the NDC confirmed that Obi was the only aspirant who purchased the party’s presidential forms before the deadline expired.
National Secretary of the party, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, announced that while the deadline for presidential forms had officially closed, the party extended by one week the sale and submission of Expression of Interest Forms for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly aspirants.
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According to the party, the new deadline for those categories of aspirants is now 12 midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The party said screening of aspirants commenced on Tuesday, May 19, and would end on May 26, while collection and return of nomination forms for cleared aspirants would run from May 20 to May 26.
The NDC further directed all aspirants to appear before screening panels with relevant documents, including educational certificates, voter’s cards, birth certificates or declarations of age, passport photographs, curriculum vitae and party membership cards.
It added that all submitted documents must be provided in six copies and noted that aspirants would be assessed based on competence, character, local considerations and the wishes of the electorate.
The party also said its screening committees were directed to consider its affirmative action policy for women, youths and persons living with disabilities.
With Obi standing as the lone presidential aspirant, party insiders say he is expected to emerge as the consensus flag bearer of the NDC ahead of the 2027 general election.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
