Sam Egwu heads NDC panel for candidate screening

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted a 17-member national screening committee to vet aspirants seeking tickets for presidential, governorship, senatorial, and House of Representatives positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The committee is chaired by former Governor of Ebonyi State and ex-Senator, Sam Egwu, while the party’s National Legal Adviser, Barr. Reuben Egwuaba, will serve as secretary.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the NDC National Secretary, Barr. Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, who said the committee would be formally inaugurated at 4:00pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

According to the statement, the committee is a blend of party leaders, professionals, and members of the National Working Committee, carefully selected to ensure credibility and transparency in the screening process.

Other members include Comrade Babatunde Ali (Deputy Chairman), Alhaji Buba Galadima, Hon. Mohammed Sani Takori, Mr. Daniel Onifade, Mr. Ikeddy Isiguzo, Mr. Wole Adedayo, Dr. Osusu Osusu, Chief Asukewe Ikoawaji, and Prof. Udenta Udenta.

Others are Barr. Frederick E. Owotorufa, Hannatu Tanko, Mr. Dogo Shammar, Sir Henry Obaze, Mr. Clement Agiagie, and Barr. Fatima Musa Abba.

The party stated that the committee would oversee screening of all aspirants across elective positions to ensure compliance with party guidelines and eligibility requirements ahead of the primaries.

“The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has announced a 17-member Screening Committee for its Presidential, Governorship, Senatorial and House of Representatives aspirants,” the statement read.

It added that the composition of the committee reflects the party’s commitment to internal democracy and credible candidate selection processes.

Political observers say the move signals the party’s increasing preparation and organisational structuring ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 election cycle.