Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the screening exercise organised by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a true reflection of democratic principles and accountability in governance.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday after appearing before the party’s screening committee headed by Sam Egwu, Obi said the process demonstrated the party’s determination to uphold transparency and due process.
According to him, the exercise showed that the NDC was committed to conducting its affairs in line with democratic standards rather than taking shortcuts.
“This is democracy in action because the NDC has decided to follow the proper process. Once the party says there will be screening, then it must be carried out thoroughly and transparently.
“Nigerians deserve to know whether anyone seeking office meets constitutional requirements and can provide the necessary documents to support their claims, ” he said.
“It is also important to verify whether what aspirants have declared is accurate and whether they can respond to critical questions concerning their plans for a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
”That is why the screening lasted for more than two hours,” he added.
Obi also dismissed reports suggesting that he had automatically become the party’s consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He explained that the process remained open and democratic, stressing that the party had made expression of interest forms available to all interested aspirants.
“How can it be by consensus? The party opened the process for interested persons to purchase forms.
”I obtained my form and, as the party stated, I am currently the only person who has shown interest. That is simply the situation,” he stated.
The former Anambra governor further praised the NDC leadership for what he described as a transparent and credible screening process.
Reacting to rumours that former President Goodluck Jonathan could join the presidential contest, Obi said he was not distracted by speculations
surrounding other potential contenders.
According to him, his attention remains fixed on finding solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges and building a better future for citizens.
“Democracy gives people the opportunity to present themselves for service and allow voters to decide.
”I am not concerned about who may decide to contest. My focus is on how to rebuild Nigeria,” he said.
Obi maintained that his major priority ahead of the 2027 elections was the creation of a united, peaceful and economically stable Nigeria through inclusive leadership rooted in the constitutional principle of federal character.
He said the country must become secure enough for citizens to move freely without fear, adding that families should no longer live under the constant threat of violence, killings and insecurity.
The former governor also stressed the urgent need to tackle hunger, poverty and corruption across the country.
He argued that national resources should be managed in a way that benefits ordinary Nigerians rather than serving the interests of a privileged minority.
