By Seyi Odewale
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has cleared its only aspirant, Peter Obi, to contest the party’s presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general election.
Chairman of the party’s National Screening Committee, Sam Egwu, announced Obi’s clearance after the screening exercise held in Abuja.
Egwu said the committee was satisfied that Obi met all constitutional and statutory requirements to contest for the presidency.
“Having satisfied ourselves that he complied with all the requirements of the constitution of the party, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is hereby cleared to contest,” Egwu stated.
Reacting on his official X account, Obi disclosed that the screening lasted more than two and a half hours, during which members of the committee scrutinised his credentials and questioned him on his vision for Nigeria.
“They carefully reviewed all my documents, including my degree certificates, NYSC credentials, and age declarations,” Obi said.
He added that he also addressed questions concerning the type of leadership needed to reposition the country before receiving the party’s presidential nomination form.
Obi commended the screening committee and the party’s leadership for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible process.
The former Anambra governor formally joined the NDC on May 3, after leaving the Labour Party and subsequently the African Democratic Congress, amid moves to build a broader opposition coalition.
The party has since attracted notable political figures, including former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Meanwhile, the NDC has zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South for a single four-year term, with power expected to rotate to the North in 2031.
Obi remains the only aspirant so far to publicly confirm purchasing the party’s presidential nomination form ahead of the primaries scheduled for May 27 to May 29 in Abuja.
