Accept Results Let’s Work Together – Peter Obi Tells Defeated NDC Aspirants

The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on aspirants who lost in the party’s recently concluded primaries to accept the results and unite behind the party’s collective vision ahead of future elections.

Speaking at the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Obi said democratic contests naturally produce both winners and losers, but stressed that the true test of leadership lies in how participants respond after the process.

“I want to sincerely appeal to all our aspirants 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,” Obi told party members.

The former Anambra State governor commended the NDC leadership and members for successfully conducting congresses, conventions and primary elections within approximately 90 days of the party’s formation, describing the achievement as a significant milestone.

According to him, many established political parties struggle to organize such activities within a similar timeframe.

Obi also unveiled plans for a nationwide engagement tour aimed at deepening grassroots support and strengthening the party’s connection with Nigerians 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. We must engage directly with Nigerians and understand their realities,” he said.

He reiterated the party’s commitment to presenting itself as a credible alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, poor educational outcomes and deficiencies in the healthcare sector.

Also speaking at the meeting, NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas described the party’s rapid expansion as remarkable, expressing confidence in its prospects ahead of future elections.

Party leader and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson urged aspirants disappointed by the outcome of the primaries not to view electoral setbacks as the end of their political aspirations, encouraging them to remain active within the party.

The NEC meeting also approved plans to introduce electronic voting for future congresses and primary elections, a move party officials say will enhance transparency, credibility and internal democracy while reducing disputes.

In his closing remarks, Obi emphasized that unity, discipline and sacrifice would be critical to the party’s growth and long-term success.

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

The meeting comes as the NDC seeks to consolidate its structures nationwide and position itself as a major force in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.