The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, on Wednesday appealed to aspirants who participated in the party’s recently concluded primary elections to accept the outcomes and support efforts to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
Obi made the appeal during the second National Executive Committee meeting of the NDC in Abuja, amid ongoing efforts by the party leadership to consolidate its structure and address concerns arising from the primaries.
The NDC, one of Nigeria’s emerging opposition political platforms, recently concluded nationwide congresses, conventions and primary elections as part of preparations for upcoming electoral contests.
Speaking at the meeting, Obi said internal competition was inevitable in a democratic process but cautioned against allowing grievances from the primaries to undermine the party’s broader objectives.
“I want to sincerely appeal to all our aspirants—those who participated in our primaries—to accept the outcomes in good faith.
“In every democratic process, there will be winners and there will be others who did not succeed. What matters most is what we do after the process,” Obi said.
He stressed that the NDC’s rapid transition from registration to congresses, conventions and primaries within a relatively short period was unprecedented and demanded understanding from members.
“We have done congresses, we have done conventions, and we have done primaries all within about 90 days. Even established parties struggle with this.
“We must therefore show understanding, patience, and sacrifice for the greater good of the party,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor also apologised for the delayed commencement of the NEC meeting and expressed appreciation to members who travelled from different parts of the country to attend.
“I most sincerely apologise that this meeting started late. I appreciate all of you who came from different parts of Nigeria to be here. Your commitment is what keeps this project alive,” he said.
Obi urged members to look beyond internal contests and focus on building what he described as a credible alternative political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
“We should not be overly consumed by today’s internal processes. We must look ahead to tomorrow.
“This party will be different. When given the opportunity, we will demonstrate leadership that is inclusive, compassionate, and accountable,” Obi said.
He further disclosed plans by the party to embark on a nationwide engagement tour aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and expanding political education.
Obi said, “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.
“We must engage directly with Nigerians, understand their realities, and build our policies around their needs.”
While identifying insecurity, poor infrastructure and weak public services as major national concerns, Obi noted that detailed political messaging would be reserved for the campaign period.
“We know the challenges facing our country—security, infrastructure, education, healthcare—but this is not yet campaign time,” he added.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, described the party’s growth trajectory as remarkable, attributing its progress to collective commitment and divine intervention.
“We are witnessing something unusual.
“Within a very short time, 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 weathered difficult circumstances and remained on course.
“This party is like Noah’s Ark. It has been preserved through turbulent waters, and it will not fail Nigeria,” he said.
Cleopas also commended members and aspirants for their conduct during the primaries, noting that the exercises were largely peaceful despite intense competition.
Also speaking, NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, said the party had survived against expectations and continued to expand its national presence.
“From day one, we were not expected to survive,” he said.
“But we have conducted congresses, primaries, and conventions, and we are still standing strong. That alone is a testimony.”
Dickson urged aggrieved aspirants to remain committed to the party, saying political setbacks should not be viewed as the end of their aspirations.
“We must not see internal competition as division. Those who did not win today should remain hopeful; tomorrow still holds opportunities,” he said.
The NEC meeting also adopted a resolution to deepen internal reforms, including plans to introduce electronic voting for future congresses and primary elections.
According to party leaders, the initiative is intended to improve transparency, reduce disputes and modernise the party’s internal democratic processes.
“We are committed to introducing electronic voting for all our internal elections,” the leadership said.
“Nigeria must not lag behind in electoral innovation, and this party will lead the way.”
They explained that while manual voting remained necessary because of the party’s current stage of development and infrastructure limitations, efforts were underway to transition to a fully digital voting framework.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, discipline and collective responsibility, as party leaders urged members to put the primaries behind them and focus on strengthening the organisation ahead of future elections.
In his closing remarks, Obi reiterated that unity and sacrifice would remain critical to the party’s success.
“No political movement succeeds without sacrifice,” he said.
“If we remain united, focused, and disciplined, we will build something truly different for Nigeria.”
