The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has emerged the preferred candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 16 January 2027 presidential poll.
At the close of the sale of the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for its 2027 presidential ticket, only Obi, bought the forms, according to sources within the party.
It is expected that the former Anambra State Governor will choose a fellow presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, as his running mate.
Both personalities moved from the African Democratic Congress earlier this month. Kwankwaso, who had also been Minister of Defence and former Senator for Kano Central, contested the 2023 election as a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party.
NDC, however, extended the deadline by one week for the collection of Expression of Interest Forms for other elective positions, including governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and state Houses of Assembly seats.
In a statement on Monday, ADC’s National Secretary, Mr. Ikenna Enekweizu, said that the deadline has been extended to midnight on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
According to the timetable released by the party, screening of aspirants who had purchased and completed the forms would commence on today (Tuesday), and end on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
The party also disclosed that the collection and return of Nomination Forms for screened and cleared aspirants would begin on 20 May and end on 26 May 2026.
The NDC warned that no further extension would be granted beyond the new deadline and urged aspirants to strictly comply with the guidelines and timelines.
It directed all aspirants to appear for screening and pre-qualification interviews at designated venues nationwide with relevant documents, including educational certificates, birth certificate or declaration of age, passport photographs, voter’s card, NDC membership card and curriculum vitae.
According to the statement, all documents submitted to the screening committee must be in six copies.
The NDC further said screening would be based on the wishes of the electorate, local peculiarities, capacity and competence, as well as the character of aspirants.
It also directed the screening committee to take into consideration the party’s affirmative action policy for women, youths and persons living with disabilities.
The party encouraged aspirants to embrace consensus-building, stressing that only aspirants cleared through the screening process would be eligible to purchase nomination forms.
