Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has been cleared to contest in the presidential primary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Chairman of the party’s National Screening Committee, Sam Egwu, in a video shared on the NDC’s official X account.
Obi underwent screening in Abuja on Tuesday as part of the party’s preparations for its presidential primary.
Speaking after the exercise, Egwu said the committee found Obi fully qualified to participate in the contest, having met all constitutional and statutory requirements.
“This is to certify that, following the screening of His Excellency Peter Obi by the National Screening Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and having satisfied ourselves that he has complied with all the requirements of the party constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), relating to eligibility to contest the presidential election, and having provided satisfactory answers to all questions put to him by the committee, he is hereby cleared to contest in the presidential primaries of the party for the 2027 presidential election,” Egwu said.
He added that the date for the primary election would be announced by the party in due course.
Reacting via his official X account, Obi disclosed that the screening session lasted more than two and a half hours, during which committee members scrutinised his credentials and questioned him about his plans for the country.
“Yesterday, May 19, in Abuja, I attended the presidential screening organised by our party, which lasted over two and a half hours,” Obi wrote.
“They carefully reviewed all my documents, including my degree certificates, NYSC credentials, and age declarations. During the process, I also answered questions about my vision for a new Nigeria and the kind of leadership our country urgently needs at this time.”
Obi confirmed that he was subsequently cleared and issued the party’s presidential nomination form, which he had earlier purchased.
The former Anambra State governor also praised the screening committee for conducting what he described as a transparent and professional exercise.
“I commend the screening committee, led by former governor Sam Egwu, for their thorough and professional conduct. I also appreciate the leadership of our party for upholding democratic principles and due process,” he added.
Obi’s clearance comes amid increasing political manoeuvring and coalition-building ahead of the 2027 general election, as opposition parties intensify consultations and preparations for their respective primaries.
