By Ghazali Ibrahim
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has emerged as the sole presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general election.
The development followed the closure of the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the party’s presidential ticket, with sources confirming that Obi was the only politician who purchased the forms.
Despite closing the presidential category, the NDC extended by one week the deadline for the collection of Expression of Interest Forms for other elective offices, including governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly positions.
In a statement, the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, said the new deadline for those positions is now 12 midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026, instead of the earlier May 17 deadline.
The party explained that the extension does not apply to the presidential race, as the window for presidential aspirants has officially closed.
According to the party’s timetable, screening of aspirants will begin on Tuesday, May 19, and end on May 26, while the collection and submission of nomination forms for cleared aspirants will run from May 20 to May 26.
The NDC also warned that no further extension would be granted and urged aspirants to comply strictly with the guidelines and timelines.
The party directed all aspirants to appear before screening panels with relevant documents, including educational certificates, voter’s card, birth certificate or age declaration, passport photographs, membership card and curriculum vitae.
It added that screening would focus on competence, character, local realities and the wishes of the electorate, while also considering its affirmative action policy for women, youths and persons living with disabilities.
