Presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Tuesday said the party’s screening process focused on constitutional qualifications, governance capacity and candidates’ vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
Obi spoke with journalists after undergoing a screening session conducted by the NDC Presidential Screening Committee chaired by former Governor of Ebonyi State, Sam Egwu.
The former Anambra State governor arrived at the NDC National Secretariat at about 6:55 p.m. alongside some supporters and members of the Obidient Movement for the exercise.
Before his arrival, members of the screening committee had already been inaugurated by the party leadership.
Speaking after the session, Obi defended the over two-hour screening exercise, describing it as a demonstration of the party’s commitment to due process, accountability and internal democracy.
“It’s democracy in action because, as a party, we are choosing to do things properly. When we say it is going to be screening, it is going to be screening,” he said.
According to him, members of the committee asked detailed questions aimed at assessing the sincerity, competence and preparedness of aspirants seeking to lead the country.
He explained that the committee carefully examined whether aspirants met constitutional requirements and whether the documents and information submitted were truthful, accurate and complete.
Obi also dismissed suggestions that his emergence as the party’s candidate could be based on consensus, noting that the NDC had opened the process for interested members to obtain expression of interest forms.
“The party opened up the process for people to buy forms, so there was no consensus. People bought forms and expressed interest. If the party later says I am the only one who expressed interest, that is a different matter,” he stated.
On his vision for the country, Obi stressed the need for national unity, security, inclusiveness and economic recovery.
According to him, Nigeria must be governed strictly in line with constitutional provisions, including the principle of federal character, to ensure fairness and a sense of belonging for every section of the country.
“We have to build a united country because Nigeria today is not united. The country must be secured so that mothers will no longer fear when their children go to school or travel,” he said.
He lamented the worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the country, noting that many Nigerians go to bed uncertain of their next meal while killings continue in different parts of the nation.
The presidential aspirant also pledged to fight corruption and ensure public resources are used for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“We must live in a Nigeria where public assets are not turned into private wealth. We must fight corruption and make the country work for everybody,” he added.
Obi further promised open and transparent communication with citizens if elected, insisting that leaders must keep Nigerians adequately informed during periods of crisis and insecurity.
“A child of nobody must be able to become somebody without knowing anybody. Nigeria must work for all,” he stated.
