Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said the screening conducted by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) shows that democracy is working properly.
Speaking to journalists after appearing before the party’s screening committee led by Sam Egwu, Obi said the process showed the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He explained that Nigerians deserve to know if political candidates meet constitutional requirements and can provide documents to support their claims. According to him, candidates should also be able to answer questions about their plans for a united, safe and prosperous Nigeria.
Obi said the screening lasted more than two hours because the process was taken seriously.
He also denied reports that he had already become the party’s consensus presidential candidate. Obi said the party allowed interested people to buy nomination forms, and he was simply the only person who showed interest.
Obi praised the NDC for carrying out what he described as a fair and transparent exercise.
Reacting to rumours that former President Goodluck Jonathan may contest the 2027 presidential election, Obi said he is not worried about who may join the race. He said his focus is on building a better Nigeria.
According to Obi, democracy allows people to present themselves for service and be chosen by voters.
He said his main goal ahead of the 2027 elections is to help create a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria through inclusive governance.
Obi added that Nigerians should be able to move freely without fear of insecurity, while families should not live in fear of killings and violence.
The former Anambra State governor also said Nigeria must tackle hunger, poverty and corruption. He stressed that public resources should benefit all citizens and not just a few privileged people.
The report also noted that Jonathan appointed Obi as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2015, shortly before the APC government took over power.
