Obi: I was screened on Constitutional compliance, governance vision, mission

By Jude Opara

Presidential aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Tuesday said the party’s screening process was thorough, with special emphasis on constitutional qualifications, governance capacity and candidates’ mission and vision for a united and prosperous country.

Obi who spoke with newsmen after undergoing the long screening session conducted by the NDC Presidential Screening Committee said he was satisfied with the questions, despite the fact that he spent close to two hours answering questions from the 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 and left at about 9:30 pm.

He defended the over two-hour screening session, insisting that it demonstrates 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.

Obi who also contested for the presidency in 2023 said members of the committee were detailed in asking their questions, which he explained were to assess the sincerity, competence and preparedness of aspirants seeking to lead the country at various levels of governance.

He outrightly dismissed suggestions that his emergence as the party’s candidate could be based on consensus, insisting that the NDC had opened the process for interested members to obtain expression of interest forms to contest for any elective position.

“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.

The aspirant while talking about his vision for the country, stressed the need for adequate security, national unity, inclusiveness and economic recovery.

He further posited that Nigeria must be governed strictly in line with constitutional provisions, including the principle of federal character, to ensure fairness and an undiluted 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 from one point to the other,” he said.

Obi who lamented the worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the country, also vowed to fight corruption and ensure public resources are used for the benefit of all Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe or creed.

“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.