NDC Appoints Sam Egwu, Buba Galadima, Others to 2027 Screening Committee

By Chisom Adaeze

The Nigeria Democratic Congress has announced the appointment of a 17-member screening committee to oversee the screening process for its presidential, governorship, senatorial, and House of Representatives aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The committee will be chaired by former Ebonyi State governor and ex-senator Sam Egwu, while the party’s National Legal Adviser, Barrister Reuben Egwuaba, will serve as secretary.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the NDC National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Enekweizu, who said the committee would officially be inaugurated later in the day as the party intensifies preparations for the next election cycle.

According to the statement, the committee was carefully constituted to include experienced politicians, party leaders, legal professionals, and public affairs figures tasked with ensuring a transparent and credible screening process for all aspirants seeking the party’s ticket.

Other prominent members of the committee include veteran politician Buba Galadima, Comrade Babatunde Ali, Hon. Mohammed Sani Takori, Daniel Onifade, Ikeddy Isiguzo, Wole Adedayo, Dr. Osusu Osusu, Chief Asukewe Ikoawaji, and political analyst Prof. Udenta Udenta.

Additional members include Barrister Frederick Owotorufa, Hannatu Tanko, Dogo Shammar, Sir Henry Obaze, Clement Agiagie, and Barrister Fatima Musa Abba.

The party described the committee as a blend of “tested professionals and party leaders” expected to uphold fairness, competence, and internal democracy throughout the screening exercise.

Political observers say the move signals the NDC’s growing efforts to position itself as a serious political force ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as opposition parties and emerging coalitions continue to realign across Nigeria’s political landscape.

The formation of the committee also comes amid intensified political activity nationwide, with parties already beginning consultations, alliances, and early preparations for presidential and governorship contests.

Analysts note that the inclusion of experienced political figures such as Sam Egwu and Buba Galadima reflects the party’s attempt to strengthen credibility and attract broader national attention as the race toward 2027 gradually gathers momentum.

The NDC has recently gained increased visibility following the involvement of several high-profile politicians and ongoing discussions around opposition coalitions seeking to challenge the dominance of the ruling party in the next election cycle.

With political camps already mobilising supporters and building structures nationwide, the establishment of the screening committee marks another significant step in the early build-up to what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 general election.