By Peter Salami
Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has emerged as the sole presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general election, following the closure of nomination forms for the party’s presidential ticket.
A top party source confirmed on Monday that Obi was the only politician who purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms before the deadline expired on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
The development effectively positions the former Labour Party presidential candidate as the likely consensus flagbearer of the NDC, pending his clearance by the party’s screening committee.
According to the source, the NDC has ruled out any further extension for presidential nominations, even as it extended the deadline for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly forms till midnight of May 24, 2026.
“Peter Obi is the only aspirant who obtained the presidential nomination forms before the deadline. As things stand today, he is the sole aspirant for the party’s presidential ticket,” the source disclosed.
The party’s screening exercise for all aspirants is scheduled to run from May 19 to May 26, while the collection and submission of nomination forms for cleared candidates will also take place within the same period.
Obi recently defected to the NDC from the African Democratic Congress amid ongoing realignments and coalition talks within the opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The move has triggered fresh political calculations nationwide, with analysts viewing the NDC as a possible rallying platform for opposition forces seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC in 2027.
NDC National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, said the screening process would be guided by “the wishes of the electorate, local peculiarities, capacity and competence, as well as character.”
He added that the party would also implement its affirmative action policy for women, youths, and persons living with disabilities in the selection process for other elective offices.
Although Obi remains subject to clearance by the screening committee, party insiders say his emergence as a sole aspirant has already strengthened his hold on the ticket and could pave the way for an uncontested presidential nomination.
Political observers say attention will now shift to how other opposition blocs and parties respond to Obi’s emergence, especially amid continuing discussions around a broader anti-APC coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.