The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has appealed to party members who lost in the recently concluded primary elections to accept the results and work together in the interest of the party.
Speaking at the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Obi sought to ease emerging tensions following the primaries, stressing that the success of the NDC would depend on unity and a shared commitment to building a credible political alternative for Nigerians.
According to him, democratic contests inevitably produce winners and losers, but what matters most is how members respond after the process.
“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.
The former governor of Anambra State warned that lingering grievances and internal divisions could undermine the party’s broader mission, urging members to place collective goals above personal ambitions.
He noted that the party had conducted congresses, conventions and primary elections within a relatively short period, describing the feat as remarkable for a young political organisation.
“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,” he said.
Obi further urged members to remain focused on the larger task of providing Nigerians with leadership founded on accountability, inclusiveness and good governance, rather than becoming consumed by internal political contests.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, described the party’s rapid growth as extraordinary, attributing its progress to the dedication of members and what he called divine guidance.
He said the party’s ability to move from registration to conventions and primaries within a short period demonstrated the determination of its members to establish a viable political platform.
Also speaking, the party’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson, praised the resilience of the NDC, noting that the party had defied predictions that it would collapse shortly after its formation.
“From day one, we were not expected to survive. But we have conducted congresses, primaries and conventions, and we are still standing strong. That alone is a testimony,” Dickson said.
He encouraged aspirants who were unsuccessful in the primaries not to view the outcome as the end of their political ambitions, stressing that political advancement often requires perseverance and patience.
“We must not see internal competition as division. Those who did not win today should remain hopeful; tomorrow still holds opportunities,” he added.
The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts by the NDC leadership to strengthen party cohesion and prepare for future electoral contests following the completion of its internal democratic processes.
