Accept results in good faith – Obi, NDC tells aspirants who lost primaries

The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has appealed to aspirants who participated in the party’s recently concluded primary elections to accept the outcomes and work together to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

Obi made the appeal on Wednesday during the second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the NDC in Abuja, as the party seeks to consolidate its structures following nationwide congresses, conventions and primaries.

Addressing party members, Obi acknowledged that disagreements are common in democratic contests but urged aspirants not to allow disappointment from the primaries to derail the party’s collective mission.

“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,” he said.

The former governor noted that the NDC had achieved a significant milestone by conducting congresses, conventions and primary elections within approximately 90 days of its formation.

“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 also apologised for the delayed commencement of the NEC meeting and thanked members who travelled from across the country to attend.

He urged members to focus on building what he described as a credible alternative political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

“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.”

The NDC presidential candidate further disclosed plans for a nationwide engagement tour aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation and expanding political education.

“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 highlighting issues such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, education and healthcare, Obi stressed that detailed campaign messaging would come at the appropriate time.

NDC Leadership Calls for Unity

The National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, described the party’s rapid growth as remarkable, attributing its progress to the commitment of members.

“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,” he said.

Cleopas likened the party’s journey to Noah’s Ark, saying it had survived difficult circumstances and remained focused on its objectives.

Similarly, former Seriake Dickson, who serves as the party’s national leader, urged aggrieved aspirants to remain committed despite setbacks.

“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 added that political losses should not be viewed as the end of anyone’s aspirations.

NDC Plans Electronic Voting

The NEC meeting also adopted a resolution to deepen internal reforms by introducing electronic voting for future congresses and primary elections.

Party leaders said the move is intended to improve transparency, reduce disputes and modernise internal democratic processes.

According to the leadership, while manual voting remains necessary due to current infrastructure limitations, the party is working toward a fully digital voting system for future internal elections.

The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, discipline and sacrifice as members prepare for future electoral contests.

In his closing remarks, Obi reiterated that unity would be crucial to the party’s success.

“No political movement succeeds without sacrifice. If we remain united, focused and disciplined, we will build something truly different for Nigeria.”

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