The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has appealed to aspirants who contested in the party’s recently concluded primary elections to accept the outcomes and work together to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
Obi made the appeal on Wednesday during the second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the NDC in Abuja, as the party continues efforts to consolidate its structure following its nationwide congresses, conventions and primaries.
Addressing party members, Obi acknowledged that competition and disagreements were natural in any democratic process but warned against allowing personal disappointments to overshadow the party’s long-term goals.
“I want to sincerely appeal to all our aspirants who participated in the primaries to accept the outcomes in good faith. In every democratic process, there will be winners and others who may not succeed. What matters most is what happens after the process,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor noted that the NDC had achieved a remarkable feat by conducting congresses, conventions and primary elections within a short period after its formation.
“We have done congresses, conventions and primaries all within about 90 days. Even well-established political parties struggle to achieve that within such a timeframe. We must therefore show patience, understanding and sacrifice for the growth of the party,” Obi stated.
He also apologised to delegates and party officials for the delayed start of the NEC meeting and thanked members who travelled from different parts of the country to attend.
According to him, the focus should now shift from internal contests to building a credible political alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
“We should not be consumed by today’s internal processes. We must look ahead. This party will be different, and when given the opportunity, we will provide leadership that is accountable, compassionate and inclusive,” he said.
Obi further revealed plans for a nationwide engagement tour aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and deepening political participation across the country.
“We will soon begin visits to all states of the federation. Instead of members always travelling to Abuja, we will go to them. We need to engage directly with Nigerians, understand their realities and build policies that reflect their needs,” he added.
While acknowledging pressing national issues such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, education and healthcare challenges, Obi said detailed campaign discussions would be left for the appropriate time.
“We know the problems facing our country, but this is not yet campaign season,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Obi stressed that sacrifice, discipline and unity would be essential to the party’s future success.
“No political movement succeeds without sacrifice. If we remain united, focused and disciplined, we will build something truly different for Nigeria,” he stated.
Speaking at the meeting, NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, described the party’s rapid growth as extraordinary and attributed its progress to the dedication of members and divine favour.
“Within a very short period, this party has moved from registration to conventions and primaries. It is not by human effort alone; there is a higher hand guiding this process,” Cleopas said.
He likened the party’s journey to Noah’s Ark, saying it had survived difficult circumstances and remained on course.
“This party is like Noah’s Ark. It has survived turbulent waters and will not fail Nigeria,” he added.
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Former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, also urged members to remain committed to the party, regardless of the outcomes of the primaries.
“Many people did not expect us to survive. Yet we have conducted congresses, conventions and primaries, and we are still standing strong. Those who did not emerge today should remain hopeful because tomorrow still holds opportunities,” he said.
The NEC meeting also approved plans to introduce electronic voting for future congresses and primary elections as part of broader internal reforms.
Party leaders said the move would improve transparency, reduce disputes and modernise the party’s internal democratic processes.
According to the leadership, while manual voting remains necessary for now due to infrastructure limitations, the party is committed to transitioning to a fully digital voting system in the future.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity and collective responsibility, as party leaders urged members to put the primary elections behind them and focus on building a stronger organisation ahead of future electoral contests.
