…Dickson promises reconciliation after primaries
By Henry Umoru, Abuja
ABUJA — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged aspirants who lost in the party’s recent primaries to accept the outcomes and work for the unity and growth of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the NDC in Abuja, Obi appealed to members to put aside grievances arising from the primaries and focus on building a credible political platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
He acknowledged the presence of senior party leaders, serving and former lawmakers, state chairmen and other stakeholders, while apologising for the delayed commencement of the meeting.
Obi described the NDC as a young political organisation that had made remarkable progress within a short period, noting that the party had successfully conducted congresses, conventions and primaries within about 90 days.
“I want to sincerely appeal to all our aspirants who participated in the primaries to accept the outcomes in good faith. In every democratic process, there will be winners and there will be those who do not succeed. What matters is what we do after the process,” he said.
According to him, established political parties often struggle to organise internal elections smoothly, making the NDC’s achievements noteworthy.
“We have conducted congresses, conventions and primaries within about 90 days. We must show understanding, patience and sacrifice for the greater good of the party,” Obi added.
He urged members to shift attention from internal disputes to the broader task of building a viable alternative political movement.
“We should not be overly consumed by today’s internal processes. We must look ahead. This party will be different. When given the opportunity, we will demonstrate leadership that is inclusive, compassionate and accountable,” he said.
Obi also disclosed that the party would soon embark on a nationwide engagement tour to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and deepen political education across the country.
“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, engage directly with Nigerians and build our policies around their needs,” he said.
The former Anambra governor identified insecurity, poor infrastructure, education and healthcare challenges as major national concerns, but noted that detailed campaign messaging would come at the appropriate time.
In his remarks, National Chairman of the party, Moses Cleopas, described the party’s rapid growth as extraordinary and attributed its progress to collective sacrifice and divine guidance.
“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 NDC to “Noah’s Ark,” describing it as a vehicle for national renewal and rescue.
Also speaking, the party’s National Leader, Seriake Dickson, praised members for their resilience and disclosed that the party would soon begin a comprehensive reconciliation process.
“We will carry out a holistic reconciliation and urge everyone to remain committed to it. Those who did not win today should remain hopeful because tomorrow still holds opportunities,” Dickson said.
He noted that despite predictions that the party would collapse, it had successfully conducted congresses, conventions and primaries and remained united.
The NEC also resolved to deepen internal reforms, including the introduction of electronic voting for future congresses and primaries to enhance transparency and reduce disputes.
Party leaders said the initiative would modernise internal democracy and position the NDC as a leader in electoral innovation.
The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity, discipline and collective responsibility, with leaders urging members to close ranks after the primaries and work together for the party’s future.
Prominent attendees included Obi, Dickson, Victor Umeh, Ovie Omo-Agege, Nkechi Nwogu, Tony Nwoye, former governors, former members of the House of Representatives and serving lawmakers.
