Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has appealed to aggrieved aspirants in the party to accept the outcome of the recently concluded primaries and unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi made the call during the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, where top party leaders gathered amid rising tensions following the primaries.
Addressing party stakeholders, the former Anambra State governor urged members to put aside grievances and focus on building what he described as a credible alternative for Nigerians.
“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 there will be those who do not succeed. What matters is what we do after the process,” he said.
Obi acknowledged the presence of party leaders, lawmakers, state chairmen and other stakeholders at the meeting, while also apologising for the delayed commencement of proceedings.
The former governor described the NDC as a fast-growing political movement that had achieved in months what many established parties struggle to accomplish over several years.
“We have conducted congresses, conventions and primaries within about 90 days. We must show understanding, patience and sacrifice for the greater good of the party,” Obi added.
He warned members against becoming distracted by internal disputes, insisting that the larger mission is to build a stronger political platform capable of transforming Nigeria.
“We should not be overly consumed by today’s internal processes. We must look ahead. This party will be different. When given the opportunity, we will demonstrate leadership that is inclusive, compassionate and accountable,” he said.
Obi also announced plans for a nationwide engagement tour aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and connecting directly with Nigerians across the country.
“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, engage directly with Nigerians and build our policies around their needs,” he said.
He identified insecurity, poor infrastructure, healthcare and education as some of the major issues confronting the country, noting that detailed campaign plans would be unveiled at the appropriate time.
Also speaking at the meeting, the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, hailed the rapid growth of the NDC, saying the party’s progress was beyond ordinary political calculations.
“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,” he said.
Cleopas further likened the NDC to “Noah’s Ark,” describing it as a platform for national rescue and renewal.
On his part, former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the party, Seriake Dickson, assured members that the leadership would soon begin reconciliation efforts to heal divisions caused by the primaries.
“We will carry out a holistic reconciliation and urge everyone to remain committed to it. Those who did not win today should remain hopeful because tomorrow still holds opportunities,” Dickson said.
He noted that despite predictions that the party would collapse, the NDC had remained united after successfully conducting congresses, conventions and primaries.
The NEC meeting also resolved to introduce electronic voting in future congresses and primaries as part of broader internal reforms aimed at improving transparency and reducing disputes within the party.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity and discipline as party leaders urged members to close ranks and work collectively toward the 2027 elections.
