MR. PETER OBI, 2027 NDC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on all aspirants who participated in the party’s recently concluded primaries to accept the outcomes and close ranks in the interest of party unity and national development.
Speaking at the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi stressed that democratic contests inevitably produce winners and losers, but warned that lingering grievances could weaken the party’s collective mission.
“I want to sincerely appeal to all our aspirants who participated in our primaries to accept the outcomes in good faith,” Obi said. “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 governor of Anambra State described the NDC’s rapid growth as remarkable, noting that within roughly three months of its formation, the party had successfully organized congresses, conventions, and primary elections.
“We have done congresses, conventions and primaries all within about 90 days. Even established parties struggle with this,” he said. “We must therefore show understanding, patience and sacrifice for the greater good of the party.”
Obi urged party members to focus less on internal contests and more on building a formidable political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic and governance challenges.
“We should not be overly consumed by today’s internal processes. We must look ahead to tomorrow,” he said. “This party will be different. When given the opportunity, we will demonstrate leadership that is inclusive, compassionate and accountable.”
Nationwide Consultation Tour Planned
As part of efforts to strengthen grassroots engagement, Obi announced plans for a nationwide consultation tour, during which party leaders will visit states across the federation to interact directly with members and citizens.
“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,” he said. “We must engage directly with Nigerians, understand their realities and build our policies around their needs.”
While acknowledging the country’s numerous challenges—including insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, weak healthcare systems and declining educational standards—Obi said detailed policy positions would be unveiled during the official campaign period.
Dickson Calls for Reconciliation
Also speaking at the meeting, NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, urged disappointed aspirants to embrace reconciliation and remain committed to the party’s long-term objectives.
“From day one, we were not expected to survive,” Dickson said. “But we have conducted congresses, primaries and conventions, and we are still standing strong. That alone is a testimony.”
He encouraged members to view internal competition as a normal feature of democracy rather than a source of division.
“Those who did not win today should remain hopeful; tomorrow still holds opportunities,” he said.
NDC’s Rise ‘Remarkable’ — Chairman
In his remarks, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas described the party’s emergence and rapid expansion as extraordinary, attributing its progress to the commitment of members and what he termed divine guidance.
“We are witnessing something unusual. Within a very short time, this party has moved from registration to conventions and primaries,” Cleopas said.
Using a biblical analogy, he likened the party’s journey to Noah’s Ark, saying it had weathered political storms and was positioned to offer Nigerians a credible alternative.
“This party is like Noah’s Ark. It has been preserved through turbulent waters, and it will not fail Nigeria,” he declared.
The NDC leadership commended party members and aspirants for the peaceful conduct of the primaries and expressed confidence that unity, discipline and sacrifice would position the party strongly ahead of future electoral contests.
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