The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on all aspirants who took part in the party’s recently concluded primary elections to accept the results and work towards strengthening the party ahead of future polls.
Obi made the appeal on Wednesday during the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, as the leadership continues efforts to consolidate its structure following the conclusion of nationwide congresses, conventions and primaries.
The NDC, which is still emerging as an opposition political platform in Nigeria, recently completed its internal electoral processes across the country in preparation for upcoming elections.
Addressing party leaders and members, Obi acknowledged that competition is a normal part of democracy but warned that unresolved grievances could weaken the party’s broader goals.
“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 noted that the party had moved rapidly through congresses, conventions and primaries within about 90 days, describing the pace as unusual even for more established political parties.
“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 late start of the NEC meeting and thanked members who travelled from various 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 further urged members to look beyond internal contests and focus on building what he described as a credible political alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
He added that the party remained committed to inclusive, accountable and compassionate leadership when given the opportunity.
He also revealed that the party plans to embark on a nationwide tour to engage citizens and strengthen grassroots support.
“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 acknowledging major national challenges such as insecurity, weak infrastructure and poor public services, Obi noted that detailed campaign messaging would be reserved for the appropriate time.
“We know the challenges facing our country—security, infrastructure, education, healthcare—but this is not yet campaign time,” he added.
In his remarks, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas described the party’s growth as extraordinary, attributing its progress to both dedication and divine guidance.
“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 compared the party’s journey to “Noah’s Ark,” saying it had survived difficult circumstances and remained stable.
“This party is like Noah’s Ark. It has been preserved through turbulent waters, and it will not fail Nigeria,” he said.
Cleopas also praised members and aspirants for maintaining peace during the primaries despite intense competition.
Former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, also addressed the meeting, describing the party’s survival and expansion as unexpected but significant.
“From day one, we were not expected to survive,” he said.
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“But we have conducted congresses, primaries, and conventions, and we are still standing strong. That alone is a testimony.”
Dickson urged aggrieved aspirants not to lose hope, stressing that political setbacks are temporary.
“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 approved plans to introduce internal reforms, including electronic voting for future congresses and primaries , aimed at improving transparency and reducing disputes within the party.
Party leaders said the reform would modernise internal democratic processes and ensure greater credibility.
“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, however, noted that manual voting would still be used for now due to infrastructural and developmental limitations, while preparations continue toward full digital adoption.
The meeting ended with renewed appeals for unity, discipline and cooperation among members, as leaders urged the party to move past internal contests and focus on future elections.
In his closing remarks, Obi reiterated the importance of unity and sacrifice in building a successful political movement.
“No political movement succeeds without sacrifice,” he said.
“If we remain united, focused, and disciplined, we will build something truly different for Nigeria.”