Obi and NDC Leaders Ask Aspirants to Accept Primary Results

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), called on aspirants who took part in the party's recent primary elections to accept the results. He urged them to support efforts to strengthen the party as it prepares for future elections.

Obi spoke during the second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the NDC in Abuja. This meeting comes as the party's leadership works to solidify its structure and resolve issues from the primaries.

The NDC is one of Nigeria's growing opposition parties. It recently wrapped up congresses, conventions, and primary elections across the country to prepare for upcoming elections.

At the meeting, Obi acknowledged that competition within the party is normal in a democracy. But he warned against letting grievances from the primaries weaken the party's 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 stated.

He highlighted that the NDC's quick movement from registration to congresses, conventions, and primaries in a short time is quite rare. He asked for understanding from the 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.

The former governor of Anambra State also apologized for the late start of the NEC meeting. He thanked members who traveled from all over Nigeria 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 move past internal conflicts. He asked them to build a credible political platform that can tackle Nigeria's urgent 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 announced plans for a nationwide tour to engage with grassroots members and improve political education.

Obi mentioned, "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."

Identifying insecurity, poor infrastructure, and weak public services as major national problems, Obi noted that detailed political messaging would wait until the campaign period.

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

The National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, praised the party's growth, saying it is due to collective effort and divine support.

"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 will continue to do so.

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

Cleopas also praised members and aspirants for their peaceful conduct during the primaries, despite the competition.

Seriake Dickson, NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, said the party has thrived against the odds and is growing its national presence.

"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 urged aspirants who felt wronged to stay loyal to the party, saying setbacks should not end their hopes.

"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 passed a resolution for internal reforms, including plans for electronic voting in future congresses and primaries.

Party leaders believe this will improve transparency and reduce disputes in the party's elections.

"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 current limitations, they are moving towards a fully digital voting system.

The meeting concluded with calls for unity and responsibility. Party leaders urged members to put the primaries behind them and focus on strengthening the party for future elections.

In his closing remarks, Obi stressed 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."