The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General election, Peter Obi, has been screened by the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the party’s 2027 presidential primaries.
Obi was screened at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja by the committee chaired by former Ebonyi State Governor, Sam Egwu.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, which lasted over two hours, Obi dismissed reports suggesting he had already emerged as the party’s consensus candidate, stressing that the process remained democratic and open.
“The party made the expression of interest forms available for interested aspirants. I bought the form and, as it stands, I am the only person who has shown interest. That does not amount to consensus,” he stated.
Obi commended the NDC leadership for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible screening process, saying the party was demonstrating internal democracy.
“When a party says there will be screening and follows through with it properly, that is democracy in action,” he stated.
On speculations surrounding the possible entry of former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential race, Obi said his focus remained on rebuilding Nigeria rather than monitoring potential opponents.
“Democracy is about people presenting themselves for service and allowing citizens to decide. My concern is how to build a better Nigeria,” he said.
The former governor said his vision for the country was centred on national unity, security, economic recovery and inclusive governance driven by the constitutional principle of federal character.
According to him, Nigeria must become safe enough for citizens to live, work and travel freely without fear of insecurity or violence.
“We want a Nigeria where parents no longer fear for their children going to school and where citizens can move freely across the country without fear,” Obi added.
He also called for urgent action to tackle poverty, hunger and corruption, insisting that public resources must be used for the benefit of all Nigerians rather than a privileged few.
“So many Nigerians go to bed hungry every day. That must change. Public assets should serve the people, not become private wealth,” Obi said.
