Peter Obi has been cleared to run for president under the Nigeria Democratic Congress [NDC] in the 2027 general elections.
The party’s National Screening Committee confirmed his eligibility on Wednesday, a day after the screening exercise in Abuja.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Sam Egwu, who is also a former governor of Ebonyi State, said Obi met all the requirements set out in the party constitution, the Electoral Act, and the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“After reviewing his documents and responses, we are satisfied that Peter Obi has complied with all necessary conditions,” Egwu said in a video posted on the party’s official X account. “He is therefore cleared to participate in the presidential primaries on a date to be announced later.”
Speaking after the exercise, Obi said the process took more than two and a half hours. He explained that the committee examined his academic certificates, NYSC credentials, and age declaration, and also asked about his plans for Nigeria.
Following the clearance, he received the presidential nomination form he had earlier paid for. Obi praised the committee and party leadership for handling the process in what he described as a fair and transparent manner.
For now, Obi is the only aspirant for the NDC presidential ticket, as the sale of expression of interest forms for the presidency has closed.
Meanwhile, the party has extended the deadline for aspirants seeking other elective positions. According to NDC National Secretary Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the new deadline is 12:00 midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026, up from the earlier 6:00 p.m. on May 17, 2026. This affects those contesting for the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship seats.
Screening for these aspirants will hold between May 19 and May 26, 2026. Cleared candidates will also collect and return their nomination forms within the same window.
The development comes as political parties across the country step up consultations and coalition talks ahead of the 2027 elections.