The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to ratify former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. Obi emerged as the party's sole aspirant, setting the stage for a major political contest involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
NDC Moves to Affirm Peter Obi
The party disclosed that Obi's affirmation is expected to take place during its nationwide primaries scheduled for Friday, May 29. NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, made this known in a statement issued in Abuja, explaining that the exercise would also produce governorship, National Assembly, and state Assembly candidates across the country.
Eid Holidays Disrupt Preparations
According to Cleopas, some preparatory activities experienced delays due to transportation difficulties caused by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays. He noted that the unavailability of flights and movement challenges affected several aspirants and party officials who participated in the screening exercise held in the Federal Capital Territory.
“The primaries are still scheduled to be held nationwide on May 29, 2026, in keeping with the original May 28 and 29 timetable. However, in view of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the resulting public holidays, major transportation and logistical challenges have arisen, including the non-availability of flights,” he stated.
NDC Warns Against Unauthorised Involvement
The NDC chairman also stressed that no state institution or security agency was authorised to participate in the preparatory activities conducted on May 28. According to the statement, any action outside the approved party guidelines would be considered illegal and unauthorised. Cleopas added that teams deployed to various states were expected to meet stakeholders, aspirants, and party elders ahead of the primaries.
Results to Be Announced by National Leadership
The party further directed that all results from across the states must be forwarded to the national headquarters for collation and official announcement. “The respective teams will collate and process all results and forward them to the national headquarters, where the National Working Committee will announce the results,” the statement said.
Political Battle Ahead of 2027 Intensifies
With Atiku already emerging as the ADC presidential candidate and the APC expected to back President Tinubu, Obi's expected affirmation is likely to intensify political realignments ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Political observers say the latest development signals the beginning of a highly competitive presidential race as parties continue consultations and mobilisation nationwide.
Previously, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after winning the party’s primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections. The result officially positions Atiku for a major political showdown with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other opposition figures, including Peter Obi, in the race for Nigeria’s highest office.
