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Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has emerged as the sole presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primary, pledging to prioritise national unity, security, and good governance if elected president.
Obi was successfully screened by the party’s 17-member screening committee chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor, Sam Egwu, at the NDC national headquarters in Abuja.
Although the party extended the sale of nomination forms to Tuesday, May 26, for other national and state elective positions, party officials confirmed that Obi remained the only aspirant to purchase the party’s presidential nomination form as of the close of sales on Monday.
The former Anambra governor arrived at the screening venue at about 6:45 p.m., clad in a black kaftan and cap, and accompanied by Senator Victor Umeh. He later submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms through an aide shortly after the arrival of the screening committee chairman.
The screening committee, inaugurated by the party leadership, is also responsible for screening governorship, senatorial, and House of Representatives aspirants of the party. In a statement signed by the NDC National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the party disclosed that Egwu is serving as chairman of the committee, while the NDC National Legal Adviser, Barrister Reuben Egwuaba, is serving as secretary.
Speaking after the screening exercise, Obi said restoring national unity would form the cornerstone of his administration, lamenting that Nigeria’s divisions have continued to hinder national progress and stability.
“We are not a united nation; my primary goal is to bring Nigeria together,” Obi declared, stressing that good governance must guarantee the safety, welfare, and dignity of citizens across the country.
He said mothers should no longer live in fear over the safety of their children, adding that Nigerians deserve a country where citizens can travel freely without fear of insecurity or violence.
“We want mothers to feel safe when their children head to school or work. We envision a Nigeria where travel throughout the country can be done without fear. Many Nigerians currently go to sleep uncertain about their next meal, and this situation must be transformed,” he said.
Obi also emphasised the need for strict adherence to the Constitution, inclusivity in governance, and respect for the federal character principle, insisting that national cohesion remains essential to achieving security and economic recovery.
The NDC presidential hopeful further decried corruption and the alleged conversion of public resources into private wealth, warning that the political elite appear more preoccupied with future elections than the worsening condition of ordinary Nigerians.
“Politicians are too focused on upcoming elections while the citizens are suffering. This has to change,” he added.
Defending the lengthy screening process, Obi described the exercise as evidence of internal democracy and institutional discipline within the party.
“The NDC is committed to doing things right. The purpose of the screening was to ensure candidates meet constitutional qualifications and can provide necessary documentation,” he explained.
Commenting on reports that he is the party’s sole presidential aspirant, Obi maintained that the final decision rests with the party leadership.
“I don’t know if anyone else has submitted an application. Until the party officially names me as the only candidate, that remains to be seen,” he said.
He, however, commended the screening committee led by Sam Egwu for conducting what he described as a thorough and professional exercise, while also praising the party leadership for upholding democratic principles and due process.
This post has already been read at least 111 times!
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