Peter Gregory Obi has successfully scaled the presidential screening exercise organised by the National Democratic Coalition, emerging as the only aspirant so far cleared by the party ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Obi, who addressed journalists after the exercise in Abuja, said the screening lasted for about two and a half hours, describing it as a demonstration of internal democracy and due process within the party.
“Well, it’s democracy in action because in NDC we’ve chosen to do things properly. So when we say it is going to be screening, it is going to be screening,” he said.
According to him, the committee thoroughly examined his credentials, including his degree certificates, NYSC records, age declaration documents, and other constitutional requirements needed to contest for the presidency.
He added that he was also questioned extensively on his vision for Nigeria and his plans for building a united, secure, and prosperous country.
“They want to know whether you have fulfilled the stipulated constitutional qualifications and provided the relevant documents to back that, and then answer questions about your commitment to building a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria,” Obi stated.
Following the exercise, the former Anambra State governor confirmed that he was cleared by the panel and subsequently issued the presidential nomination form he had earlier paid for.
In a statement shared on X after the screening, Obi commended the committee chaired by former governor Sam Egwu for what he described as a professional and transparent process.
“I would like to commend the screening committee, led by former governor Sam Egwu, for their thorough and professional approach,” he wrote.
He also appreciated the party leadership for maintaining democratic principles and internal party procedures.
Obi, however, dismissed suggestions that his emergence as the party’s only presidential aspirant was based on a consensus arrangement.
“How can it be based on consensus? The party opened up for people to buy expression of interest forms. I bought the form. The party says I’m the only one who expressed interest. That’s it,” he said.
Reacting to speculations surrounding former President Goodluck Jonathan and a possible return to the presidential race, Obi said he was not focused on who may or may not contest the election.
“No, actually I’m not aware of that. Democracy is about people offering themselves for service and being voted for. I’m not in any way going around looking for who is contesting. I’m concentrating on how to build a better Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking further on his vision for the country, Obi stressed the need for national unity, security, and accountable leadership, insisting that Nigeria must begin to work according to the principles of inclusiveness and federal character as enshrined in the constitution.
“We have to govern the country by the constitution of Nigeria which stipulates federal character where you have to make sure that it is inclusive. The country must be united. The country must be secured,” he stated.
The former governor lamented the worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the country, saying many Nigerians now live in fear and uncertainty.
“We want to see where mothers can no longer fear when their children go to school or when they go to work. We want Nigerians to travel all over the country without fear,” he added.
Obi also vowed to tackle corruption decisively, arguing that public resources should no longer be converted into private wealth by political office holders.
“We must fight corruption to a standstill and make the country work for everybody — a Nigeria where a child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he said.
He further criticised politicians for focusing more on elections while citizens continue to suffer daily killings and economic hardship.
“Politicians are preoccupied with the next election while Nigerians are dying every day. That must stop,” Obi declared.
The NDC had earlier confirmed that Obi was the only aspirant presented before the presidential screening panel, with party officials describing him as qualified after satisfying all constitutional and electoral requirements.
