NDC Ratifies Peter Obi for 2027 Presidential Race as ADC Demands El-Rufai’s Release
By Ruth Ottih
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially ratified former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, marking a significant milestone in the party’s preparations for the forthcoming national polls.
The ratification was endorsed during the party’s national convention held in Abuja on Saturday, where delegates and party leaders gathered to formally affirm Obi’s candidature.
The motion for Obi’s ratification was moved by Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District, and was seconded by former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege. The proposal received overwhelming support from delegates, triggering loud cheers and celebrations across the convention venue.
Meanwhile, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, a prisoner of conscience and called for his immediate release.
The declaration was one of several resolutions adopted during the party’s 101st NEC meeting, where members reviewed the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections and approved key administrative and political decisions.
According to a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed concern over El-Rufai’s situation and urged the relevant authorities to facilitate his unconditional release.
“The NEC recognises Mallam Nasir El-Rufai as a prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release,” the communiqué stated.
The meeting also ratified the outcomes of the party’s recently conducted primaries for various elective positions across the country, while excluding contests that remain subject to appeals or have yet to be concluded.
The communiqué further noted that the NEC approved the results of primaries conducted for State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship, and presidential positions, except in cases where disputes are still pending before the party’s appeal mechanisms.
In addition, the NEC approved a 12-month extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC), effective from the expiration of its current mandate, to ensure continuity and organisational stability ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The resolutions underscore the ADC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its internal structures and consolidate its preparations for the 2027 general elections, as political activities continue to gather momentum across the country.
