The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has ratified former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The decision was taken at the party’s national convention held in Abuja on Saturday.
At the event, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, moved the motion for Obi’s ratification, while former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege seconded it.
Obi had earlier picked the party’s presidential nomination and expression of interest forms on 17 May 2026 and was cleared by the NDC national screening committee three days later as its sole aspirant.
Speaking after receiving the ticket, Obi announced former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate.
In his acceptance speech, Obi expressed appreciation to party leaders and supporters.
“I wish to assert unequivocally: a New Nigeria is Possible,” he said. “This pivotal moment transcends the individual ambitions of Peter Obi; it concerns the essence of our nation and the future of our children.”
Obi said his administration would address insecurity, economic challenges and other national issues.
He said, “We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation.”
On agriculture, he said Nigeria has the capacity to become a major rice-producing nation.
“We should be exporting rice. I maintain that we can make more money from the vast land in the North than we make from oil,” he said.
On power supply, Obi described the current situation as inadequate, noting that the country generates about 4,000 megawatts.
In his words, “And I pledge on behalf of our government that in four years, this country will generate and distribute at least 10,000 megawatts from the 4,000 that we have today.”
He also addressed unemployment, stating that the official figures do not reflect the reality.
“Our large pool of talented youth remains largely unemployed… actual underemployment and unemployment in Nigeria exceeds 30%, with youth unemployment sitting at over 40%,” he said.
Obi said his administration would support micro, small and medium enterprises through tax incentives and access to credit.
He also pledged to reduce corruption and the cost of governance, saying “We will drastically reduce the cost of governance and corruption. This waste must stop.”
In a separate statement, Kwankwaso expressed appreciation for his nomination as vice-presidential candidate.
“It was a profound honour to join fellow party members at the special affirmation ceremony of His Excellency, Peter Obi, as the Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“I am particularly humbled and deeply honoured by my ratification as the party’s Vice Presidential Candidate.”
Kwankwaso added that the decision reflects the party’s commitment to national unity and democratic development ahead of the 2027 elections.
