Peter Obi
Iyunade Grace
The Nigerian Democratic Congress has adopted Peter Obi as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election following a unanimous decision at the party’s special convention. The motion to adopt Obi was moved by Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central, and received unanimous support from delegates and party members in attendance. Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Age seconded the motion, affirming that Obi should fly the NDC flag. The process was conducted in the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission through a voice vote by delegates.
Obi’s adoption comes after he and former NNPP presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC, marking a significant political realignment ahead of 2027. The duo had earlier left the African Democratic Congress and held wide-ranging consultations with NDC leaders before arriving at the party secretariat in Abuja. At the event, Obi said their decision was informed by the need for a stable political platform free from internal crises and prolonged legal disputes, urging members to avoid litigation and focus on building a united opposition.
In his acceptance speech at the convention, Obi presented electricity reform as a centerpiece of his agenda, promising that Nigeria would generate more than 10,000 megawatts of power within four years if elected. He described the target as part of his broader vision to fix Nigeria’s chronic power supply problems and unlock economic growth. The pledge aligns with his long-standing argument that reliable electricity is the foundation for industrialization, job creation, and improved living standards.
The 10,000MW promise is consistent with Obi’s previous policy positions on power. He has consistently argued that Nigeria already generates close to 10,000MW but transmission bottlenecks prevent most of it from reaching consumers. His plan involves unbundling the transmission line, supporting existing generation companies, and strengthening distribution companies to ensure whatever is produced is wheeled and distributed efficiently under proper regulatory supervision. He has maintained that this is not rocket science, pointing to countries that have solved similar problems.
NDC’s convention also included a bold zoning decision that cleared the path for Obi. The party zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term, a move widely seen as strengthening Obi’s prospects. The resolution was adopted after a motion moved by Afam Victor Ogene, member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Obi had earlier pledged to serve only one term if elected, and the zoning arrangement aligns with Nigeria’s informal power-sharing understanding between the North and South.
The Obi-Kwankwaso combination is being framed by NDC leaders as a bridge across regional and ethnic divides. Party chieftains said the alliance represents a marriage between the North and South aimed at rejecting hate, violence, and division in favor of ideas, unity, and institutional reforms. Oche, an NDC official, described the pairing as a “good combination for Nigerians” and urged the millions of frustrated youths, workers, and mothers to see the movement as a generational opportunity to rescue the country.
NDC has also warned aspirants that Obi will be held to account if he underperforms. Party leaders said the decision to adopt him came with expectations that he would deliver on key promises, especially on power, poverty reduction, and governance reforms. The party stressed that its movement is driven by institutional reforms that outlive individuals, not personality politics, and that internal accountability will be central to its operations if it wins the presidency.
The adoption sets up a competitive contest for 2027 as political parties intensify preparations. With Obi now the NDC flag bearer and the party promising to overhaul the electricity sector, the campaign is expected to focus heavily on energy, economic reform, and national unity. Delegates said the convention demonstrated internal cohesion and sent a signal that NDC intends to present itself as a disciplined alternative to the ruling APC and other opposition parties ahead of the next general election.
