The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged party aspirants to accept the outcomes of the recently concluded primaries and close ranks in preparation for future elections.
Speaking at the party’s second National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Obi stressed that internal contests are an unavoidable feature of democratic politics, but warned that unresolved disagreements could weaken the party’s long-term objectives.
“I want to sincerely appeal to all our aspirants—those who participated in our primaries—to accept the outcomes in good faith,” Obi said. “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.”
He added that the party must prioritise unity over individual ambition, noting that the strength of any political movement lies in how it manages post-primary tensions.
Obi also highlighted the rapid organisational growth of the NDC, noting that the party had completed congresses, a national convention, and primaries within a period of about three months. According to him, the pace of activity reflects unusual coordination compared to more established political parties.
“We have done congresses, we have done conventions, and we have done primaries all within about 90 days,” he said. “Even established parties struggle with this. We must therefore show understanding, patience and sacrifice for the greater good of the party.”
He announced plans for a nationwide consultation tour, saying party leaders would engage directly with members across all states rather than centralising interactions in Abuja. The initiative, he explained, is aimed at strengthening grassroots participation and ensuring policies reflect citizens’ realities.
Obi further noted that while Nigeria faces pressing challenges in security, infrastructure, healthcare, and education, detailed policy proposals would be reserved for the official campaign period.
Also speaking at the meeting, former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson called for reconciliation among party members, urging those who contested and lost in the primaries to remain committed to the party’s long-term vision.
He said the party had defied early predictions of collapse and continued to show resilience through its internal processes.
In his remarks, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas described the party’s rapid development as exceptional, attributing its progress to collective effort and what he called divine guidance. He encouraged members to maintain discipline and unity following the primaries, adding that peaceful conduct during the exercises demonstrated political maturity within the party.
