*Call For Unity, Discipline, Collective Responsibility Ahead 2027 Polls
THE presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Wednesday, June 3, appealled to aspirants who participated in the recently primary elections to accept the outcomes and support efforts to strengthen the party ahead of next year’ general elections.
Speaking during NDC’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, following ongoing efforts by the party leadership to consolidate its structure and address concerns arising from the primaries, Obi said internal competition was inevitable in a democratic process, but cautioned against allowing grievances from the primaries to undermine the party’s broader objectives.
He said: “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.”
The former Anambra State governor stated that the party’s rapid transition from registration to congresses, conventions and primaries within a relatively short period was unprecedented and demanded understanding from members, adding: “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 apologised for the delayed commencement of the meeting and expressed appreciation to members who travelled from different parts of the country to attend, saying their commitment is what keeps the project alive.
Obi urged members to look beyond internal contests and focus on building a credible alternative political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, adding: “This party will be different. When given the opportunity, we will demonstrate leadership that is inclusive, compassionate, and accountable.
“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.”
National Chairman of the party, Moses Cleopas, described NDC’s growth trajectory as remarkable and due to collective commitment and divine intervention.
He stated: “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.
“This party is like Noah’s Ark. It has been preserved through turbulent waters, and it will not fail Nigeria.”
Cleopas commended members and aspirants for their conduct during the “largely peaceful” primaries, despite intense competition.
On his part, National Leader of the party and former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, said the party has survived against expectations and continued to expand its national presence.
According to him: “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.”
The senator representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly urged aggrieved aspirants to remain committed to the party, saying: “We must not see internal competition as division.
“Those who did not win today should remain hopeful; tomorrow still holds opportunities.”
The NEC meeting adopted a resolution to deepen internal reforms, including plans to introduce electronic voting for future congresses and primary elections to improve transparency, reduce disputes and modernise the party’s internal democratic processes.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, discipline and collective responsibility, with leaders appealling to members to put the primaries behind them and focus on strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
