By Chibuike Nkwede
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, is on the verge of securing the presidential ticket of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after becoming the only aspirant to purchase the party’s Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the 2027 general election.
Exclusive checks reveal that Obi’s uncontested emergence follows a dramatic realignment within Nigeria’s opposition landscape, triggered by the disintegration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-backed coalition that once united him with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Inside sources within the NDC confirmed that the party officially closed sales of presidential nomination forms on Sunday, with no other aspirant indicating interest in the top ticket, effectively positioning Obi as the sole contender.
Party insiders further disclosed that the leadership has extended the deadline for governorship, National Assembly, and State House of Assembly aspirants by one week to accommodate ongoing filings across other levels.
A statement attributed to the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, confirmed adjustments to the electoral timetable, shifting deadlines for other elective offices from May 17 to May 24, 2026.
The statement added that screening of aspirants will commence on May 19 and conclude on May 26, while collection and submission of nomination forms for successful candidates will run between May 20 and May 26.
According to the NDC, the screening exercise will focus on competence, integrity, public acceptability, and grassroots political strength, in addition to its affirmative action policy aimed at boosting participation of women, youths, and persons living with disabilities.
Obi’s expected emergence comes after months of internal wrangling that fractured the ADC-led coalition formed to mount a unified challenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The coalition had initially generated momentum across opposition circles after efforts to build a single platform capable of preventing a repeat of the divided opposition vote seen in the 2023 presidential election.
However, disagreements over power-sharing arrangements, zoning formulas, leadership structure, and the selection of a consensus presidential candidate reportedly deepened tensions within the alliance.
Sources also disclosed that Obi alongside Kwankwaso, formally to NDC from ADC earlier this month following prolonged disputes and what he reportedly described as a lack of cohesion and direction within the coalition. Such a move has further altered the balance within the opposition and effectively weakened the ADC coalition.