The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Wednesday appealed to all aspirants of the party to accept the outcomes of its recently concluded primary elections.
He also called on them to close ranks in the interest of unity, discipline and long-term political success.
Mr Obi spoke at the partyโs second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, saying internal competition was normal in a growing political movement.
He, however, warned that lingering grievances could weaken the partyโs mission if not quickly resolved.
โI want to sincerely appeal to all our aspirants; those who participated in our primaries to accept the outcomes in good faith.
โIn 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,โ Mr Obi said.
He stressed that the partyโs rapid transition from registration to congresses, conventions and primaries within about 90 days required maturity from members.
โWe have done congresses, we have done conventions, and we have done primaries all within about 90 days. Even established parties struggle with this,โ he said.
โWe must, therefore, show understanding, patience and sacrifice for the greater good of the party.โ
The former Anambra State governor urged members to shift focus from internal disputes to the broader goal of building a credible alternative political platform capable of addressing Nigeriaโs challenges.
โWe should not be overly consumed by todayโs internal processes. We must look ahead to tomorrow.
โThis party will be different. When given the opportunity, we will demonstrate leadership that is inclusive, compassionate and accountable,โ he added.
In his remarks, the national chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, described the partyโs emergence and rapid organisational progress as โextraordinaryโ, attributing its survival and growth to divine guidance and collective sacrifice.
โWe 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,โ he said.
He likened the partyโs journey to โNoahโs Ark,โ describing it as a vessel of national rescue and renewal.
National Leader of the party, Seriake Dickson, also praised the resilience of the NDC, saying it had defied early predictions of collapse.
โFrom 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,โ he said.
He urged members to remain committed to reconciliation, stressing that those who did not succeed in the primaries should see it as part of a larger political journey.
The NEC meeting also resolved to deepen internal reforms, including the introduction of electronic voting for future congresses and primaries.
(NAN)
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