A new development in Nigeria’s changing opposition political landscape is the approval of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to run in the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential primary ahead of the 2027 general election.
After a screening process in Abuja on Tuesday, NDC National Screening Committee Chairman Sam Egwu announced Obi’s clearance in a video posted on the party’s official X account on Wednesday.
According to Egwu, the committee was confident that Obi fulfilled all legal and constitutional requirements to run for president.
“This is to certify that, following His Excellency Peter Obi’s screening by the Nigeria Democratic Congress National Screening Committee, and having satisfied ourselves that he has complied with all requirements of the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), dealing with eligibility to contest the presidential election, and having satisfactorily answered all questions put to him by members of the committee, he is hereby cleared to contest in the party’s presidential primaries for the 2027 presidential election on dates to be announced by the party,” Egwu said.
Obi responded via his official X account, stating that his academic records, NYSC paperwork, and age declarations were thoroughly examined during the more than two-and-a-half-hour screening process.
According to Egwu, the committee was confident that Obi fulfilled all legal and constitutional requirements to run for president.
“This is to certify that, following His Excellency Peter Obi’s screening by the Nigeria Democratic Congress National Screening Committee, and having satisfied ourselves that he has complied with all requirements of the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), dealing with eligibility to contest the presidential election, and having satisfactorily answered all questions put to him by members of the committee, he is hereby cleared to contest in the party’s presidential primaries for the 2027 presidential election on dates to be announced by the party,” Egwu said.
Obi responded via his official X account, stating that his academic records, NYSC paperwork, and age declarations were thoroughly examined during the more than two-and-a-half-hour screening process.
I spent more than two and a half hours at our party’s presidential screening yesterday, May 19, in Abuja. They thoroughly examined all of my paperwork, including my age declarations, NYSC credentials, and degree certificates,” he said.
He also responded to inquiries about his vision for national reform and his agenda for governance.
“I also answered questions about my vision for a new Nigeria and the kind of leadership our country desperately needs right now during the process,” Obi stated.
Obi attested to his clearance and received the official nomination form that he had previously paid for.
“I was cleared and received the presidential nomination form I had previously paid for after this,” he stated.
He praised the party leadership and screening committee for what he called an open and reliable process.
I spent more than two and a half hours at our party’s presidential screening yesterday, May 19, in Abuja. They thoroughly examined all of my paperwork, including my age declarations, NYSC credentials, and degree certificates,” he said.
He also responded to inquiries about his vision for national reform and his agenda for governance.
“I also answered questions about my vision for a new Nigeria and the kind of leadership our country desperately needs right now during the process,” Obi stated.
Obi attested to his clearance and received the official nomination form that he had previously paid for.
“I was cleared and received the presidential nomination form I had previously paid for after this,” he stated.
He praised the party leadership and screening committee for what he called an open and reliable process.
“I want to thank the screening committee, which was headed by former governor Sam Egwu, for their meticulous and competent work. I also thank the leadership of our party for maintaining the democratic process,” he continued.
As parties get ready for primaries and possible coalition talks, the development coincides with growing political realignments and early elections that maneuvering among opposition blocs ahead of the 2027 general election. This shift is expected to reshape the political landscape significantly, as various factions vie for influence and voter support. Observers anticipate that these developments will set the stage for intense negotiations and strategic alliances in the coming months.
