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Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on all aspirants who participated in the party’s recently concluded primary elections to accept the outcome of the exercise and unite behind the collective mission of building a formidable political movement capable of transforming Nigeria.
Addressing the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi stressed that the strength of any democratic organisation lies not only in its ability to conduct credible internal elections but also in the willingness of members to rally together after the contests.
According to him, while competition is a natural feature of democracy, post-primary grievances must not be allowed to derail the broader objective of offering Nigerians a credible alternative leadership platform.
“I sincerely appeal to all our aspirants to accept the outcomes in good faith,” Obi said. “Every democratic process produces winners and those who may not succeed. What is important is what happens after the process. We must remain united and focused on our shared vision for Nigeria.”
The former Anambra State governor described the NDC’s rapid organisational development as unprecedented in Nigeria’s political history, noting that within barely three months of its formation, the party had successfully conducted congresses, conventions and primary elections nationwide.
“We have achieved in about 90 days what many established political parties struggle to accomplish over several years,” he said. “That achievement demands patience, understanding, sacrifice and commitment from all members.”
Obi urged party faithful to look beyond internal contests and concentrate on the larger task of addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic and governance challenges.
“We should not be consumed by today’s internal processes. Our focus must be on tomorrow and the future of Nigeria,” he stated. “This party is determined to demonstrate a different kind of leadership—one that is compassionate, inclusive, accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.”
As part of efforts to strengthen grassroots engagement and consolidate party structures nationwide, Obi announced plans for extensive consultations across the federation, saying party leaders would embark on state-by-state visits to engage directly with members and citizens.
“We do not want members always coming to Abuja. We will go to them. We will listen to Nigerians, understand their realities and ensure our policies reflect their aspirations and challenges,” he said.
While acknowledging the country’s numerous difficulties, including insecurity, poor infrastructure, challenges in healthcare delivery and declining educational standards, Obi maintained that the party would unveil detailed policy alternatives at the appropriate campaign period.
Emphasising the importance of unity and sacrifice, he noted that no political movement could succeed without collective commitment.
“If we remain united, disciplined and focused, we will build something truly different and enduring for Nigeria,” he added.
Echoing Obi’s appeal, the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, said the party had already defied predictions of failure by successfully navigating its formative stages and conducting key democratic processes.
“From the day this party was founded, many doubted our survival. Yet we have conducted congresses, conventions and primaries, and we remain strong and united. That alone is a remarkable achievement,” Dickson said.
He urged aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to embrace reconciliation, insisting that political contests should not be viewed as permanent divisions.
“Today’s outcome is not the end of anyone’s political journey. There will always be future opportunities. What matters now is preserving the unity and future of our party,” he stated.
National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, also hailed the party’s rapid growth and resilience, attributing its success to the dedication of members and what he described as divine favour.
“We are witnessing something extraordinary. Within a very short period, this party has progressed from registration to conventions and primaries. Such progress reflects both the commitment of our members and the grace of God,” he said.
Drawing a biblical comparison, Cleopas likened the NDC’s journey to Noah’s Ark, saying the party had weathered political storms and emerged stronger.
“This party is like Noah’s Ark. It has survived turbulent waters and remains positioned to provide Nigerians with a platform for renewal, hope and national transformation,” he declared.
He further commended party members and aspirants for maintaining peace and decorum throughout the primary election process despite intense competition.
Political observers say the NDC’s emphasis on post-primary reconciliation and nationwide consultations could prove critical as the party seeks to consolidate its structures and position itself as a major force ahead of future electoral contests.
With its leadership projecting unity, discipline and grassroots mobilisation as core pillars, the party appears determined to convert its rapid organisational growth into a sustained national political movement.
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