Peter Obi Urges Candidates to Accept Primary Results to Prevent Post‑Primary Disputes

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on party members to accept the results of the recently completed primary elections and to unite behind the party’s broader goals. The appeal was made during the NDC’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

Obi emphasized that the party’s success hinges not on who won or lost in the primaries but on the ability of its members to set personal ambitions aside for the collective mission of building a credible political alternative for Nigeria.

The call comes as the NDC works to strengthen internal cohesion after a rapid succession of congresses, conventions and primary elections.

“I want to sincerely appeal to all our aspirants, those 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 Anambra State governor noted that while competition is inherent in any democratic organization, lingering grievances could undermine the party’s larger mission. He urged members to show understanding, patience and sacrifice as the party navigates its formative years and prepares for future electoral contests.

“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,” he added.

Obi described the pace of the NDC’s organizational development as remarkable, highlighting that the party achieved in months what many others take years to accomplish. He also warned members not to become consumed by internal contests but to focus on the broader challenge of offering Nigerians a new style of leadership grounded in accountability, inclusiveness and compassion.

Earlier, National Chairman Moses Cleopas praised the party’s emergence and rapid growth, attributing its progress to collective commitment and what he described as divine guidance. He noted that the speed with which the party moved from registration to conventions and primaries reflected the determination of its members to create a viable political platform.

National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson commended the NDC’s resilience, saying the party had defied widespread predictions that it would collapse shortly after its formation. “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 urged members who lost in the primaries not to see the outcome as the end of their political aspirations, stressing that political growth often requires patience and perseverance. “We must not see internal competition as division. Those who did not win today should remain hopeful; tomorrow still holds opportunities,” he said.