NDC Set To Ratify Peter Obi As Presidential Candidate For 2027 Election
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 following his emergence as the party’s sole aspirant.
The development sets the stage for a major political contest involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the next presidential election.
NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja that Obi’s affirmation is expected to take place during the party’s nationwide primaries scheduled for Friday, May 29. The exercise will also produce governorship, National Assembly and state Assembly candidates across the country.
Cleopas explained that 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,” Cleopas stated.
The NDC chairman also stressed that no state institution or security agency was authorised to participate in the preparatory activities conducted on Thursday, May 28. According to the statement, any action outside the approved party guidelines would be considered illegal and unauthorised.
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Cleopas added that teams deployed to various states were expected to meet stakeholders, aspirants and party elders ahead of the primaries.
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.
With Atiku already emerging as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) 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.