The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially ended the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for its 2027 presidential primary, with reports indicating that only one aspirant entered the race. Party insiders revealed that by the deadline, former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, was the sole individual who purchased the presidential nomination forms.
Extension Granted for Other Elective Positions
While the presidential ticket window has closed, the NDC extended the deadline for Expression of Interest Forms for other elective offices. Aspirants seeking governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly tickets now have an additional week to complete their applications. The new closing time is midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026, replacing the earlier deadline of May 17. Party authorities emphasized that the extension applies strictly to non-presidential positions, and the presidential category remains closed.
NDC Screening Timetable Released
The party has unveiled its timetable for screening aspirants who have successfully purchased and submitted their forms. Screening is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 19, and will run until Tuesday, May 26. Thereafter, collection and submission of Nomination Forms for candidates who pass the screening stage will commence on May 20 and conclude on May 26, 2026. The party warned that there would be no further extension beyond the announced deadlines and urged aspirants to comply strictly with all guidelines.
Eligibility and Documentation Requirements
All aspirants have been directed to present themselves for screening and pre-qualification interviews at designated centres across the country. They are expected to bring relevant documents, including academic certificates, birth certificate or age declaration, passport photographs, voter’s card, NDC membership card, and curriculum vitae. The party specified that all submitted documents must be provided in six copies for verification by the Screening Committee.
Consensus Process as Obi Emerges Frontrunner
The NDC stated that its screening process would assess aspirants based on factors such as popularity among party members, local dynamics, competence, capacity, and personal character. The party also highlighted provisions for affirmative action, giving consideration to women, young people, and persons living with disabilities. Party officials encouraged consensus-building among aspirants, noting that only those cleared through screening would proceed to obtain nomination forms. With the closure of the presidential form sale and reports indicating that Obi was the sole purchaser, party sources suggest he is strongly positioned to emerge as the consensus presidential standard bearer ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
