By Our Correspondent

National News – Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Tuesday arrived at the national headquarters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Abuja for the party’s presidential screening ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi arrived at about 6:45 pm in the company of Senator Victor Umeh, fueling growing speculation that he may emerge as the party’s consensus presidential candidate.

The screening exercise was conducted at the NDC national secretariat in Abuja, where party leaders and aspirants gathered for the crucial process.

Obi, dressed in his signature black kaftan and matching cap, was seen handing over his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to an aide shortly after arriving at the venue.

The development came barely 24 hours after the NDC constituted a 17-member screening committee headed by former Ebonyi State Governor, Sam Egwu.

The committee is responsible for screening presidential, governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives aspirants seeking to contest under the party’s platform in 2027.

Speculation around Obi’s position within the party intensified after the NDC suspended the sale of presidential nomination forms while extending the sales window for governorship and National Assembly aspirants.

Although both the party leadership and Obi’s camp denied claims of a predetermined consensus arrangement, political observers believe the move has strengthened Obi’s influence within the party.

According to the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the committee includes notable political figures and professionals tasked with ensuring a transparent screening process.

Other members include Buba Galadima, Ikeddy Isiguzo, Wole Adedayo and Udenta Udenta.