Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on all aspirants who participated in the party’s recent primaries to accept the outcomes and unite behind the party’s broader mission ahead of future elections.
Speaking at the second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, Obi said democratic contests naturally produce winners and losers, but stressed that post-primary reconciliation was critical to the party’s growth and stability.
He urged aggrieved aspirants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions.
According to him, the NDC has achieved significant milestones within a short period, conducting congresses, conventions and primary elections within about 90 days of its emergence.
Obi described the feat as remarkable, noting that even older political parties often struggle to complete similar processes within such a timeframe.
He appealed to members to remain patient and make sacrifices necessary for building a strong and credible political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
The former Anambra State Governor also announced plans for a nationwide engagement tour aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structures and deepening interaction with members across the country.
He said the party would take its message directly to Nigerians rather than concentrating activities in Abuja.
Obi maintained that the NDC remains focused on providing a credible alternative leadership platform and addressing issues such as insecurity, poor infrastructure and weak public services.
Also speaking, former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, said the party had defied predictions of collapse and continued to grow stronger.
Dickson urged members to embrace reconciliation and remain committed to the party’s long-term vision, regardless of the outcome of the primaries.
The NEC meeting also approved plans to introduce electronic voting for future congresses and primary elections as part of efforts to improve transparency and strengthen internal democracy.
The Party leader said the initiative would modernise the party’s electoral processes, reduce disputes and position the NDC as a leader in political innovation.
Earlier, National Chairman of the party, Moses Cleopas, described the NDC’s rapid growth as extraordinary, attributing its progress to the commitment of members and divine favour.
He commended party faithful for their conduct during the primaries, noting that the exercise was largely peaceful despite intense competition.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, discipline and collective responsibility, with Obi insisting that sacrifice, focus and cohesion would be crucial to the party’s success in the years ahead.
