NDC names former Ebonyi governor Sam Egwu to lead presidential screening committee

The opposition Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has appointed former Ebonyi State Governor and ex-Education Minister, Senator Sam Ominyi Egwu, as chairman of its National Presidential Screening Committee ahead of the party’s upcoming primary elections.

The decision was announced following an emergency meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) held at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where leaders said the move was aimed at strengthening internal vetting processes and ensuring credible candidates emerge for presidential, gubernatorial, and legislative contests.

Under the new assignment, Egwu will oversee the screening of all aspirants seeking the party’s tickets at various levels, with responsibility for ensuring compliance with party rules, constitutional provisions, and electoral guidelines.

Party officials said the committee will examine candidates’ academic and professional credentials, financial standing, party loyalty, and overall suitability for public office, as part of efforts to reduce post-primary disputes and election-related litigation.

The screening panel is also expected to assess the political viability of aspirants, including their acceptability across regions and their capacity to strengthen the party’s chances in the general elections.

Speaking on the development, a senior NWC member described Egwu as a “tested public servant” whose experience in executive, legislative, and federal roles makes him well-suited to lead the process, adding that the committee would operate independently and without interference.

Egwu, who governed Ebonyi State from 1999 to 2007 and later served as Minister of Education, is also expected to bring his legislative experience from the Senate to bear on the screening exercise, which party leaders say is critical to maintaining internal discipline and credibility.

The appointment comes at a time of internal tensions within sections of the party, with reports of disagreements over zoning arrangements and candidate endorsements in some states ahead of the primaries.

Despite these challenges, party leaders insist the screening committee is part of a broader effort to unify the party and strengthen its electoral competitiveness.

According to the NDC timetable, the Sam Egwu-led committee will be inaugurated on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the party headquarters in Abuja and will immediately begin screening presidential aspirants before extending its work to governorship and legislative candidates across the country.

Party officials say the outcome of the screening process will play a decisive role in shaping the NDC’s strategy ahead of the elections, as the party seeks to present what it describes as “credible, disciplined, and electable” candidates.