Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi on Wednesday urged aspirants to accept the outcomes of the party’s primaries and channel their energy toward strengthening the organization ahead of national contests. Speaking at the party’s National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja, Obi acknowledged the challenges of internal competition but stressed that unity and sacrifice were vital for building a credible alternative platform. He highlighted the NDC’s rapid transition from registration to conventions and primaries within 90 days, describing it as unprecedented and demanding patience from members.
Obi apologized for the late start of the meeting and praised members who traveled across the country, saying their commitment kept the project alive. He pledged that the NDC would embark on a nationwide engagement tour to connect directly with citizens, strengthen grassroots mobilization and expand political education. He emphasized that the party must look beyond internal disputes and prepare to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, poor infrastructure and weak public services, while reserving detailed policy messaging for the campaign period.
Party leaders reinforced Obi’s appeal, with National Chairman Moses Cleopas likening the NDC’s survival to “Noah’s Ark” and attributing its growth to collective effort and divine guidance. Former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson said the party had defied expectations by conducting peaceful primaries and urged aspirants to remain hopeful despite setbacks. Both leaders framed the party’s progress as evidence of resilience and a sign that it could emerge as a serious force in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The NEC adopted a resolution to introduce electronic voting in future internal elections to improve transparency and reduce disputes, while acknowledging that manual voting would remain necessary until infrastructure improved. Leaders said the initiative was part of efforts to modernize the party’s democratic processes and ensure credibility. The meeting concluded with renewed calls for discipline, unity and collective responsibility, as members were urged to put the primaries behind them and focus on building a stronger organization capable of offering Nigerians a genuine alternative.
