Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has been cleared to contest in the presidential primary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general election.
The clearance was announced by the Chairman of the party’s National Screening Committee, Sam Egwu, during a video shared on the party’s official X account on Wednesday.
Egwu said the committee was satisfied that Obi met all constitutional and statutory requirements to contest for the presidency after a screening exercise held in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to him, Obi successfully complied with the provisions of the party constitution, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“This is to certify that… he is hereby cleared to contest in the presidential primaries of the party for the 2027 presidential election,” Egwu stated.
Reacting on his official X account, Peter Obi said the screening lasted over two and a half hours, during which his academic and professional credentials were thoroughly reviewed.
He noted that documents such as his degree certificates, NYSC records, and age declarations were examined by the committee.
“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,” Obi said.
He commended the screening committee for what he described as a transparent and professional exercise.
“I would like to commend the screening committee… for their thorough and professional approach,” he added.
Nigeria Democratic Congress has recently attracted several high-profile political figures, including former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as it positions itself as a growing opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party 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 is currently the only aspirant who has publicly confirmed purchasing the party’s nomination form, placing him in a strong position ahead of the primaries.
The party’s presidential primary is scheduled to hold in Abuja between May 27 and May 29, 2026.
