Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has emerged as the sole presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the closure of the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the 2027 presidential election.

Sources within the party disclosed that Obi was the only aspirant who purchased the presidential nomination forms before the deadline expired.

NDC Extends Deadline For Other Positions

The NDC, however, announced a one-week extension for aspirants seeking governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly tickets.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the deadline earlier fixed for May 17 was extended to midnight of May 24, 2026.

According to the statement, the extension applies only to legislative and governorship aspirants, while the presidential nomination process has officially closed.

“The collection of Expression of Interest Forms for the office of the President has officially closed,” the statement noted.

Screening To Begin May 19

The party disclosed that screening and pre-qualification interviews for aspirants who purchased and completed the forms would commence on Tuesday, May 19, and end on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

It added that the collection and return of Nomination Forms for screened and cleared aspirants would begin on May 20 and close on May 26.

The NDC warned that no further extension would be granted beyond the new deadline.

Party Lists Requirements For Aspirants

The party directed all aspirants to appear before the screening committee with relevant documents, including educational certificates, birth certificate or declaration of age, passport photographs, voter’s card, NDC membership card and curriculum vitae.

According to the statement, all submitted documents must be provided in six copies.

The NDC also stated that aspirants would be assessed based on competence, character, capacity, local realities and the wishes of the electorate.

The party further instructed the screening committee to consider its affirmative action policy for women, youths and persons living with disabilities during the exercise.

Consensus Encouraged Ahead Of Primaries

The party encouraged aspirants contesting for other elective offices to embrace consensus-building ahead of the primaries.

It also stressed that only aspirants cleared through the screening process would be eligible to proceed with nomination forms.