NDC Confirms Peter Obi As Only Presidential Aspirant After Deadline

NDC Confirms Peter Obi As Only Presidential Aspirant After Deadline

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emerged as the sole aspirant for the presidential ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general election, following the closure of the party’s nomination process.

The development followed the expiration of the deadline for the sale and submission of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms, with party insiders confirming that Obi was the only aspirant who completed and returned the required documents before the window closed.

Party officials said no other aspirant obtained or submitted presidential nomination forms before the deadline, making Obi the only contender for the NDC presidential primary at this stage.

The NDC, however, announced an extension of the deadline for aspirants contesting other elective positions, including governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly seats.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Mr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the deadline for the collection of nomination forms for those categories was extended from Sunday, May 17, to Sunday, May 24, 2026.

The party clarified that the extension does not affect the presidential race, stressing that the nomination process for the office of the president has been formally concluded.

READ ALSO:

• “Atiku Can’t Win Election” — Amaechi Rules Out Stepping Down
• El-Rufai Denies Wrongdoing As DSS Presents TV Interview In Court
• ICPC Denies Blocking El-Rufai From Receiving Food, Medical Care In Detention

The NDC also released its screening timetable ahead of its primaries, stating that the exercise will run from Tuesday, May 19 to May 26, 2026.

According to the schedule, collection and submission of nomination forms for cleared aspirants will take place between May 20 and May 26, while only candidates who meet the requirements will proceed to the next stage of the process.

The party warned that no further extension would be granted and urged all aspirants to comply strictly with its timetable and guidelines.

Aspirants are expected to present documents including educational certificates, birth or age declaration, passport photographs, voter’s card, party membership card, and curriculum vitae in six copies before the screening committee.

The NDC said candidates would be assessed based on competence, capacity, character, and acceptability, while also considering political realities within their constituencies.

Obi’s emergence as the sole presidential aspirant has already triggered political discussions within opposition circles, with analysts suggesting he could eventually emerge as a consensus presidential candidate of the party ahead of the 2027 election.

The former Anambra State governor recently joined the NDC after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that has continued to generate reactions within opposition politics.

Political observers say his unopposed status could strengthen internal unity within the party and boost its chances of emerging as a major opposition force ahead of the next general election.

The party also urged aspirants to embrace consensus-building where necessary, saying unity would be key to its electoral strategy going into 2027.

NDC Confirms Peter Obi As Only Presidential Aspirant After Deadline