Obi and NDC Leaders Ask Aspirants to Accept Primary Results

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), on Wednesday asked aspirants who took part in the party’s recent primary elections to accept the results and support efforts to strengthen the party for future elections.

Obi made this request during the second National Executive Committee meeting of the NDC in Abuja. This was amid ongoing efforts by the party leadership to solidify its structure and address issues from the primaries.

The NDC, which is one of Nigeria’s growing opposition political parties, recently held congresses, conventions, and primary elections nationwide as part of preparations for upcoming elections.

While speaking at the meeting, Obi noted that competition within the party is normal in a democracy. He warned against letting any frustration from the primaries weaken the party’s overall goals.

"I want to sincerely appeal to all our aspirants, those who participated in our primaries, to accept the outcomes in good faith.

"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," Obi said.

He emphasized that the NDC’s swift move from registration to congresses, conventions, and primaries in a short time was unusual and asked for understanding from party members.

"We have done congresses, we have done conventions, and we have done primaries all within about 90 days. Even established parties struggle with this.

"We must therefore show understanding, patience, and sacrifice for the greater good of the party," Obi added.

Obi, who was a former governor of Anambra State, also apologized for the late start of the NEC meeting. He appreciated members who traveled from various parts of the country to attend.

"I most sincerely apologise that this meeting started late. I appreciate all of you who came from different parts of Nigeria to be here. Your commitment is what keeps this project alive," he said.

Obi encouraged members to see beyond internal competition and focus on building a credible political platform that can tackle Nigeria’s pressing issues.

"We should not be overly consumed by today’s internal processes. We must look ahead to tomorrow.

"This party will be different. When given the opportunity, we will demonstrate leadership that is inclusive, compassionate, and accountable," Obi said.

He also shared the party's plan for a nationwide tour to boost grassroots mobilization and increase political education.

Obi stated, "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.

"We must engage directly with Nigerians, understand their realities, and build our policies around their needs."

While addressing major national issues, like insecurity and poor infrastructure, Obi mentioned that detailed political messaging would come during the campaign period.

"We know the challenges facing our country, security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, but this is not yet campaign time," he added.

In his speech, the NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, noted that the party's growth is impressive and credited it to collective effort and divine guidance.

"We are witnessing something unusual.

"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," Cleopas said.

He compared the party's journey to "Noah’s Ark," saying it has survived tough times and is still on course.

"This party is like Noah’s Ark. It has been preserved through turbulent waters, and it will not fail Nigeria," he said.

Cleopas praised members and aspirants for their behavior during the primaries, adding that the process was mostly peaceful despite strong competition.

Also speaking, NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, said the party has thrived against the odds and continues to grow its presence across the country.

"From day one, we were not expected to survive," he said.

"But we have conducted congresses, primaries, and conventions, and we are still standing strong. That alone is a testimony."

Dickson encouraged aspirants who were not successful to stay loyal to the party, saying political setbacks should not end their dreams.

"We must not see internal competition as division. Those who did not win today should remain hopeful; tomorrow still holds opportunities," he said.

The NEC meeting also passed a resolution to improve internal reforms, including plans to introduce electronic voting for future congresses and primary elections.

Party leaders said this initiative aims to enhance transparency, reduce disputes, and modernize the party’s democratic processes.

"We are committed to introducing electronic voting for all our internal elections," the leadership said.

"Nigeria must not lag behind in electoral innovation, and this party will lead the way."

They explained that while manual voting is still needed due to the party’s current development stage and infrastructure challenges, efforts are in place to move towards fully digital voting.

The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, discipline, and collective effort, as party leaders urged members to move past the primaries and focus on strengthening the party for future elections.

In his closing remarks, Obi restated that unity and sacrifice are key to the party’s success.

"No political movement succeeds without sacrifice," he said.

"If we remain united, focused, and disciplined, we will build something truly different for Nigeria."