By Adesakin Adefemi
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has called on aspirants who lost in the party’s recent primaries to accept the outcomes and work together to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the second National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the NDC in Abuja, Obi appealed to members to set aside grievances from the primaries and focus on building a credible political platform that can address Nigeria’s challenges.
He acknowledged the presence of senior party leaders, serving and former lawmakers, state chairmen, and other stakeholders, and apologised for the delayed start of the meeting. Obi described the NDC as a young organisation that had achieved remarkable progress in a short period.
“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 noted that the NDC had conducted congresses, conventions, and primaries within about 90 days, an achievement he said many established parties still struggle with. He urged members to show understanding, patience, and sacrifice for the greater good of the party.
He also urged the party to shift focus from internal disputes to the broader task of building a viable alternative political movement. “We should not be overly consumed by today’s internal processes. We must look ahead. This party will be different,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra governor disclosed that the NDC would soon embark on a nationwide engagement tour to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and deepen political education. He said the party would go directly to the states to engage Nigerians and shape policies around their needs.
National Chairman Moses Cleopas described the party’s rapid growth as extraordinary and attributed it to collective sacrifice and divine guidance. He likened the NDC to “Noah’s Ark,” saying it is a vehicle for national renewal and rescue.
National Leader Seriake Dickson praised members for their resilience and announced plans for a comprehensive reconciliation process. He urged those who lost in the primaries to remain hopeful, adding that the party would also introduce electronic voting for future congresses to enhance transparency.
