Peter Obi has emerged as the only candidate to express interest in the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential nomination for the 2027 election. After appearing before the party's screening committee on Tuesday, chaired by Sam Egwu, Obi described the process as "democracy in action" and commended the NDC for its transparency and adherence to due process. He said the screening lasted over two hours and required candidates to present documents verifying their constitutional qualifications and respond to questions about national unity and development.
Obi dismissed claims that he had been anointed as the party's consensus candidate. "How can it be based on consensus? The party opened up the expression of interest forms for people to buy. I bought the form. As the party said, I'm the only one who expressed interest. That's it," he said. He stressed that the party's process remained open and democratic, despite the absence of other aspirants at this stage.
Addressing speculation about former President Goodluck Jonathan entering the race, Obi said he was not focused on potential opponents. "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. Obi reiterated his vision for a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria, anchored on inclusive governance and the constitutional principle of federal character. He emphasized the need to tackle insecurity, hunger, poverty and corruption, stating that public resources should benefit all Nigerians, not a privileged few.
Peter Obi calls the NDC screening "democracy in action" even though he is the only candidate who bought the form. A process with just one participant cannot reflect competitive democracy, regardless of how transparent the proceedings appear. The absence of other aspirants raises questions about the party's reach and relevance in the 2027 race. Nigerians seeking alternatives to dominant parties may find little substance in a contest shaped by solitude rather than choice.
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