2027 Race: Peter Obi Becomes Lone Presidential Aspirant in NDC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially closed the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for its 2027 presidential election, with indications that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is the only aspirant who purchased the form.
The party, however, announced a one-week extension for the collection of Expression of Interest Forms for other elective offices, including governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly positions.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the NDC said the earlier deadline of 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, had been extended to 12 midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026, for all non-presidential aspirants.
The party clarified that the extension applies only to governorship and legislative positions, while the sale of presidential forms has officially ended.
According to the party’s timetable, screening of aspirants who have completed their forms will begin on Tuesday, May 19, and end on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Collection and submission of Nomination Forms for screened and cleared aspirants will run from May 20 to May 26.
The NDC warned that no further extension would be granted and urged aspirants to strictly comply with the guidelines and deadlines.
The party also directed all aspirants to appear for screening and pre-qualification interviews at designated venues nationwide with relevant documents, including educational certificates, birth certificates or age declarations, passport photographs, voter’s cards, NDC membership cards and curriculum vitae. It added that all documents must be submitted in six copies.
According to the statement, aspirants would be assessed based on the wishes of the electorate, local realities, competence, capacity and character.
The Screening Committee was also directed to consider the party’s affirmative action policy for women, youths and persons living with disabilities.
The NDC further encouraged consensus-building among aspirants, stressing that only candidates cleared through the screening process would qualify to purchase nomination forms.
With the latest development, Obi, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC, is widely expected to emerge as the party’s consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election.