NDC Constitutes 17-Member Panel to Screen Presidential, National Assembly Aspirants

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has constituted a 17-member screening committee for its presidential, governorship and National Assembly aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the committee will oversee the screening and verification of aspirants seeking the party’s tickets for the presidency, governorship, Senate and House of Representatives seats.

Former Ebonyi State governor and ex-senator, Sam Egwu, was named chairman of the panel, while the party’s National Legal Adviser, Barrister Reuben Egwuaba, will serve as secretary.

The inauguration of the committee was scheduled for 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

Enekweizu said the committee comprises experienced politicians, professionals and members of the party’s National Working Committee drawn from different parts of the country.

Among those appointed into the panel are Comrade Babatunde Ali as deputy chairman, Alhaji Buba Galadima, Mohammed Sani Takori, Daniel Onifade, Ikeddy Isiguzo, Wole Adedayo and Dr. Osusu Osusu.

Others are Chief Asukewe Ikoawaji, Prof. Udenta Udenta, Barrister Frederick E. Owotorufa, Hannatu Tanko, Dogo Shammar, Sir Henry Obaze, Clement Agiagie and Barrister Fatima Musa Abba.

The party said the committee would be responsible for assessing the eligibility, competence and suitability of aspirants in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.

The development comes amid heightened political activities within the NDC following the close of sales of presidential nomination forms, with former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, emerging as the sole aspirant for the party’s presidential ticket.

The NDC has continued consultations and internal preparations ahead of the commencement of formal screening exercises for aspirants across the country.