Sam Egwu-Led committee clears Peter Obi for NDC presidential race

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has been cleared to participate in the presidential primary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

The chairman of the party’s National Screening Committee, former Ebonyi State governor Sam Egwu, announced Obi’s clearance in a video shared on the party’s official X account on Wednesday.

The screening exercise was held in Abuja on Tuesday, where the committee reviewed Obi’s eligibility to contest the presidency under the party’s constitution and relevant electoral laws.

Egwu said the committee was satisfied that the former Anambra State governor met all constitutional and statutory requirements needed to participate in the presidential primary.

“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 constitution of the party, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), dealing with eligibility to contest the presidential election, and having provided satisfactory answers to all questions put to him by members of the committee, he is hereby cleared to contest in the presidential primaries of the party for the 2027 presidential election on dates to be announced by the party,” Egwu stated.

Reacting through his official X account, Obi disclosed that the screening session lasted more than two and a half hours, during which party officials scrutinised his credentials and questioned him on his plans for the country.

“Yesterday, May 19, in Abuja, I attended the presidential screening organised by our party, which took over two and a half hours. They carefully reviewed all my documents, including my degree certificates, NYSC credentials, and age declarations.

“During the process, I also addressed questions regarding my vision for a new Nigeria and the type of leadership our nation urgently needs right now.

“Following this, I was cleared and received the presidential nomination form I had previously paid for,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor also commended the screening committee and the leadership of the party for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible exercise.

“I would like to commend the screening committee, led by former governor Sam Egwu, for their thorough and professional approach. Additionally, I appreciate our party’s leadership for upholding the democratic process,” he added.