Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has declared that Nigeria is not a united nation, vowing to make national cohesion his top priority if elected in 2027. He spoke after being cleared by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to contest its presidential primary.
NDC Screening and Clearance
The political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections gained fresh momentum on Wednesday as the NDC officially screened and cleared former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to run in its presidential primary. Obi remains the sole aspirant following the closure of nominations.
Addressing journalists after the exercise in Abuja, Obi delivered a passionate message centered on national unity, security, economic recovery, and responsible leadership. He declared that rebuilding Nigeria's fractured unity would be his foremost assignment if elected.
“We are not a united nation; my primary goal is to bring Nigeria together,” Obi stated firmly.
Security and Economic Concerns
The former governor painted a grim picture of the country's current realities, lamenting growing insecurity, deepening poverty, hunger, and public anxiety across different parts of Nigeria. He argued that governance must first restore hope and safety to ordinary citizens before political leaders can claim success.
“We want mothers to sleep peacefully knowing their children are safe at school and safe at work. We want Nigerians to travel freely across the country without fear of kidnappings, attacks, or violence,” he said.
Obi noted that millions of Nigerians now live with uncertainty over their next meal and future survival, insisting that leadership must move beyond rhetoric and focus on practical solutions that directly improve lives.
Inclusive Governance and Federal Character
He stressed that Nigeria's enormous human and economic potential can only be unlocked through inclusive governance, fairness, and strict adherence to constitutional principles. Obi specifically referenced the federal character principle in the Nigerian Constitution, arguing that no region, ethnic group, or section should feel excluded from governance and national opportunities.
According to him, unity and security remain the foundation upon which economic growth, investment, and national stability must stand.
Anti-Corruption Stance
Obi launched a strong criticism against corruption and misuse of public resources, warning that Nigeria cannot progress if leaders continue converting public wealth into private fortunes.
“We need a Nigeria where public resources are used for public good and not turned into private wealth. The fight against corruption must be sincere, transparent, and beneficial to the people,” he stated.
In a direct swipe at the nation's political class, Obi accused many politicians of prioritizing electoral calculations over governance and the welfare of suffering Nigerians.
“Politicians are too focused on the next election while citizens are suffering daily. That mentality must change,” he added.
Screening Committee Report
The screening exercise, conducted at the party's national secretariat in Abuja, lasted over two and a half hours and was supervised by the NDC National Screening Committee headed by former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu.
Announcing the outcome, Egwu confirmed that Obi had satisfied all constitutional and statutory requirements to contest the presidency under the party's platform.
“This is to certify that, following the screening of His Excellency Peter Obi by the National Screening Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and having satisfied ourselves that he has complied with all the requirements of the party constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is hereby cleared to contest in the presidential primaries of the party,” Egwu stated.
Obi later revealed that committee members thoroughly examined his academic credentials, NYSC documents, age declarations, and questioned him extensively on his vision for Nigeria and the kind of leadership he intends to offer. He commended the committee for professionalism, transparency, and commitment to democratic principles.
“I appreciate the screening committee led by Senator Sam Egwu for doing a thorough and professional job. I also commend the leadership of the party for upholding democratic values and due process,” he said.
Internal Democracy and Coalition Talks
Despite emerging as the only presidential aspirant so far, Obi maintained that the party's internal democratic procedures must be respected.
“I don't know if anyone else has submitted forms. Until the party officially says I am the sole candidate, we should allow the process to continue,” he noted.
The NDC had earlier announced the closure of presidential expression of interest and nomination forms while extending deadlines for governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly aspirants. The party also confirmed that screening exercises for other categories of aspirants would continue until May 26, while collection and submission of nomination forms for cleared candidates commenced on May 20.
Obi's clearance comes at a time of increasing political realignments and coalition discussions among opposition figures seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027. Political analysts believe Obi's emergence as the sole aspirant of the NDC may strengthen ongoing conversations around a broader opposition coalition ahead of the next presidential election.
For many observers, however, Obi's strongest message from the screening exercise was not merely about politics or candidacy, but his insistence that Nigeria's survival depends on rebuilding trust, unity, and hope among its people.
