NDC to ratify Peter Obi as presidential candidate today

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is set to ratify former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate today (Friday) during the party’s nationwide primaries after he emerged as the sole aspirant for the ticket.

 

The party also said governorship, National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly candidates would emerge across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory despite logistical challenges caused by the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.

 

NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.

 

He explained that transportation disruptions and flight unavailability delayed some preparatory activities following the screening exercise held in the FCT.

 

According to him, Thursday, May 28, was reserved for arrivals, documentation with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, consultative meetings and other pre-primary activities.

 

Cleopas added that party teams deployed to the states were also expected to meet with stakeholders, elders and aspirants ahead of the primaries.

 

He, however, warned that no state institution or security agency, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS) and INEC, should participate in any activity outside the approved guidelines.

 

The NDC chairman said the primaries would proceed nationwide on Friday in line with the original timetable.

 

“The primaries are still scheduled to be held nationwide on May 29, 2026, in keeping with the original May 28 and 29 timetable.

 

“However, in view of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and the resulting public holidays, major transportation and logistical challenges have arisen, including the non-availability of flights.

 

“Consequently, many aspirants who were in Abuja for the screening exercise, as well as members of the screening team, are currently stranded in Abuja,” he said.

 

Cleopas stated that the sequence for the exercises would begin with the presidential affirmation, followed by National Assembly, state Assembly and governorship primaries or affirmations.

 

He further directed that all results from the states must be transmitted to the party’s national headquarters for official announcement by the National Working Committee.

 

“The respective teams will collate and process all results and forward them to the national headquarters, where the National Working Committee will announce the results.

 

“No state executive or team has the mandate to announce any results,” the statement added.

 

The party chairman appealed to members and aspirants to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the process, warning that the NDC would not tolerate violence, disorderly conduct or hooliganism during the primaries.