Presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed speculations that former President Goodluck Jonathan could threaten his 2027 presidential ambition.
Reacting to reports that Jonathan may join the 2027 presidential race on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obi said he was unconcerned about who might contest against him.
Obi spoke on Tuesday after the NDC presidential screening exercise in Abuja, which lasted over two hours.
He said, “Actually, I’m not aware of that. But democracy is about people offering themselves for service and being voted for.
“I’m not in any way going around looking for who and who is contesting. I’m concentrating on how to build a better Nigeria.”
Obi said his focus remained on national unity, security, economic revival and the fight against corruption.
“This I will do by first uniting the country because it’s not a united country. We have to govern the country by the constitution of Nigeria, which stipulates federal character and inclusivity. The country must be united. The country must be secure.
“We want to see where mothers can no longer fear when their children go to school or work. We also want to know where we can travel all over Nigeria without fear,” he added.
Speaking on the lengthy screening process, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate described it as “democracy in action,” insisting that the exercise reflected the party’s commitment to due process and accountability.
“This is democracy in action because the NDC chooses to do things properly. So when we say this is going to be a screening, it has to be done right.
“Nigerians want to know whether you meet the stipulated constitutional qualification and provide relevant documents to back them.
“This is the way to know whether everything you have said or declared is nothing but the truth, and if you can answer questions that were posed about your commitment to building a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria. That’s why the screening took over two hours,” he added.
Obi also dismissed reports suggesting he had emerged as the party’s consensus presidential candidate following alleged consultations with party leaders.
“The party just opened up their expression of interest and nomination forms for people to buy. So there is no consensus yet.
“Although I bought the forms, I don’t know other people who bought. So until the party says I’m the only one who expressed interest, that’s it,” he said.