The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has appointed former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Sam Egwu, to chair its 17-member screening committee for presidential, governorship and National Assembly aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party announced the development in a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, as political activities ahead of the next election cycle continue to gather momentum across the country.
According to the statement, the committee was inaugurated on Tuesday and will oversee the screening of aspirants seeking to contest for the presidency, governorships, Senate and House of Representatives seats on the platform of the party.
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“The 17-member committee is scheduled to be inaugurated by 4pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026,” the statement said.
Egwu, a former two-term governor of Ebonyi State and ex-lawmaker, is expected to lead the panel as the party begins internal preparations for what observers believe could shape its early positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NDC also named its National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, as secretary of the committee, while Comrade Babatunde Ali will serve as deputy chairman.
Other members of the panel include Buba Galadima, Mohammed Sani Takori, Daniel Onifade, Ikeddy Isiguzo, Wole Adedayo, Dr Osusu Osusu, Chief Asukewe Ikoawaji, Prof Udenta Udenta, Frederick Owotorufa, Hannatu Tanko, Dogo Shammar, Sir Henry Obaze, Clement Agiagie and Fatima Musa Abba.
Party officials described the committee as a blend of experienced politicians, professionals and members of the National Working Committee tasked with ensuring a credible screening process for aspirants.
The move is seen as part of the party’s broader strategy to strengthen its internal structures and avoid the disputes that have affected party primaries in previous election cycles across Nigeria’s political landscape.
Political analysts also believe the appointment of Egwu signals the NDC’s intention to project experience and stability as parties begin early consultations ahead of 2027.
Egwu, who served as governor of Ebonyi State between 1999 and 2007, remains one of the prominent political figures from the South-East and has occupied several national political positions over the years, including service in the Senate and within the education sector.
The inclusion of figures such as Galadima, Obaze and Udenta in the committee is also expected to add political weight to the exercise, given their longstanding involvement in Nigeria’s political and public affairs space.
The party said the committee would be responsible for vetting aspirants seeking to fly the NDC flag in key elections, including the presidential race, governorship contests and National Assembly elections.
The development comes amid growing political realignments and consultations among emerging and established parties ahead of the next electoral season.
The NDC has recently intensified grassroots mobilisation efforts in parts of the country while also adopting consensus arrangements in some internal processes as part of moves aimed at reducing internal crises and strengthening party unity.
Although the Independent National Electoral Commission has yet to officially release the timetable for the 2027 elections, political parties have continued to reposition early, with leadership consultations and internal restructuring already underway in several camps.
