The Nigeria Democratic Congress has officially closed the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for its 2027 presidential race, with early indications showing that only former Peter Obi purchased the form.
The development was confirmed after the party revealed that no other aspirant submitted interest in the presidential ticket before the deadline, effectively positioning Obi as the sole contender at this stage of the process.
However, the party has extended the deadline for other elective positions by one week. The extension covers governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly aspirants.
According to sources within the party, the presidential form sale officially ended as scheduled, with Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, emerging as the only known purchaser.
The party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, confirmed that the earlier deadline of 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, has now been shifted to midnight on Sunday, May 24, 2026, but clarified that the extension applies only to other political offices.
He stressed that the presidential ticket process has officially closed.
The party also released its timetable for the next phase of the process. Screening of aspirants who have completed form collection will begin on Tuesday, May 19, and end on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Following that, the collection and submission of nomination forms for successful aspirants will run from May 20 to May 26, 2026.
The NDC warned that no further extension would be granted and urged all aspirants to comply strictly with the established rules and deadlines.
All aspirants have also been directed to appear for screening and interviews at designated centres across the country with required documents, including educational certificates, birth records or age declarations, passport photographs, voter’s cards, party membership cards and curriculum vitae.
The party added that each submitted document must be provided in six copies for verification.
According to the NDC, screening will be based on factors such as voters’ preference, local realities, competence, capacity and the character of each aspirant.
The party further stated that its affirmative action policy for women, youths and persons living with disabilities will be considered during the screening process.
It also encouraged aspirants to embrace consensus-building, noting that only candidates cleared after screening will proceed to purchase nomination forms.
With the current development, Obi, who recently left the African Democratic Congress to join the NDC, is widely expected to emerge as the party’s consensus presidential candidate.
What You Should Know
The closure of the NDC’s presidential form sales with Peter Obi as the sole aspirant significantly strengthens his chances of emerging as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 presidential election.
This development signals a major political realignment and could reshape opposition politics ahead of the polls. The extension granted to other aspirants reflects the party’s broader strategy to deepen participation while maintaining a clear timeline.
Obi’s position as the lone contender also raises expectations about his plans, alliances and campaign strategy as political activities intensify nationwide.
