The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Wednesday urged aspirants who participated in the party’s recently concluded primaries to accept the outcomes in good faith and work towards strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
Obi made the appeal during the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, where the leadership discussed internal consolidation and post-primary reconciliation efforts.
The NDC, one of Nigeria’s emerging opposition platforms, recently completed its nationwide congresses, conventions, and primaries as part of preparations for upcoming elections.
Addressing party members, Obi said internal competition was a normal feature of democracy but warned that unresolved grievances could weaken the party’s broader objectives.
He appealed to all aspirants to support the party’s direction regardless of the outcome of the primaries, noting that every democratic process produces both winners and losers.
Obi also highlighted the speed at which the party had conducted its internal processes, describing the exercise as unprecedented and requiring patience and understanding from members.
He apologised for the late start of the NEC meeting and thanked members who travelled from different parts of the country to attend.
Obi further urged party members to focus on building a credible alternative political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s key challenges, including insecurity, infrastructure deficits, and weak public services, while noting that detailed campaign messaging would be reserved for the official campaign period.
He also announced plans for a nationwide tour aimed at strengthening grassroots engagement and expanding political education across all states.
“We will soon begin visits to all states of the federation. We do not want members always coming to Abuja; we will go to them,” he said.
“We must engage directly with Nigerians and build our policies around their realities.”
In his remarks, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas described the party’s rapid growth as remarkable, attributing its progress to collective commitment and divine guidance.
He likened the party’s journey to “Noah’s Ark,” saying it had survived difficult conditions and remained on course.
Also speaking, former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, said the party had continued to grow despite initial expectations that it would not survive politically.
He urged aggrieved aspirants to remain committed to the party, stressing that internal competition should not lead to division or withdrawal.
The NEC meeting also adopted resolutions to introduce internal reforms, including plans to implement electronic voting in future congresses and primary elections to enhance transparency and reduce disputes.
Party leaders said the initiative would modernise internal democracy and improve credibility, while noting that a full digital transition would be gradual due to current infrastructure limitations.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, discipline, and reconciliation as the party prepares for future electoral contests.
