Obi Set to Clinch NDC Presidential Ticket as Sole Aspirant

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, appears set to emerge as the presidential flag bearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 general election following the close of sales of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

Indications within the party showed that Obi was the only aspirant to obtain the forms before the deadline for the presidential contest expired.

The development came as the party announced an extension of the deadline for aspirants seeking governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly tickets.

National Secretary of the party, Mr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, disclosed that the earlier deadline fixed for Sunday, May 17, had been shifted by one week for other categories of aspirants.

According to the party, the extension will now end at midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The NDC, however, clarified that the sale and collection of presidential forms had officially closed, effectively leaving Obi as the lone aspirant for the ticket.

Obi recently joined the NDC after parting ways with the African Democratic Congress, a move that strengthened speculation about his intention to seek the presidency under the new platform.

Under the timetable released by the party, screening of aspirants is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 19, and conclude on May 26.

The party also said collection and submission of nomination forms for aspirants who successfully pass the screening stage would run from May 20 to May 26.

The NDC warned that no further extension would be granted beyond the new deadline and urged aspirants to comply strictly with the party’s timetable and requirements.

Aspirants were directed to appear before screening panels with relevant documents, including educational qualifications, birth certificates or declarations of age, voter’s cards, party membership cards, passport photographs and curriculum vitae.

The party added that all submitted documents must be provided in six copies.

According to the guidelines, the screening process would consider competence, capacity, character, local political realities and the wishes of the electorate.

The NDC also directed its screening committee to take into account affirmative action considerations involving women, youths and persons living with disabilities.

Party officials further encouraged consensus-building among aspirants, stressing that only those cleared through the screening process would qualify to purchase nomination forms.

With Obi standing as the sole presidential aspirant at the close of nominations, party insiders believe he is on course to emerge as the consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.