The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Gregory Obi, has urged party members to remain united, patient, and willing to make sacrifices as the party consolidates its structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Obi acknowledged the attendance of key stakeholders, including serving and former lawmakers, state chairmen, and other senior party officials. He also apologised for delays and scheduling challenges that affected the meeting.
Explaining the circumstances, Obi said he had attended another engagement in Lagos earlier in the day and thanked members for their understanding and commitment despite the inconveniences.
He described the NDC as a young political movement that has recorded significant achievements within a short period, noting that in roughly 90 days of intense political activity, the party successfully conducted conventions, primaries, and extensive consultations.
According to him, the pace of the party’s growth has placed considerable demands on its structure, making unity, understanding, and collective sacrifice critical to its continued progress.
“We are still a very young party. Within a short period, we have gone through conventions and primaries that other parties take years to manage. It is not easy, and that is why I am appealing for sacrifice,” he said.
Obi encouraged members who may be disappointed by the outcomes of internal processes to remain committed, stressing that political success is a long-term journey rather than an immediate achievement.
“For those who did not win today, there is still tomorrow. This is a party where everyone will have a place if we remain united,” he added.
He further emphasised the need to build a party founded on inclusiveness, fairness, and equal opportunity, arguing that these values must define any future government formed by the NDC.
Calling on leaders to prioritise the party’s future over personal interests, Obi warned that internal divisions could threaten its long-term objectives.
“We must not be consumed by today. Our focus must be on tomorrow. What we are building is bigger than any individual ambition,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also revealed plans for a more aggressive grassroots mobilisation strategy. He said the party leadership intends to visit all states before the next NEC meeting, engaging directly with members across the country rather than concentrating activities in Abuja.
“We are coming to your states. We want to see you where you are, understand your realities, and build this party together from the ground up,” he stated.
Obi argued that effective leadership and governance require direct engagement with communities, insisting that Nigeria’s challenges cannot be fully understood from the nation’s capital alone.
He also expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, citing incidents of kidnapping, attacks on schools, and growing threats to public safety that continue to affect education and everyday life.
However, Obi said he would reserve detailed comments on broader national issues until the official campaign period, choosing instead to focus on strengthening the party internally.
He urged members to remain steadfast in pursuing the party’s vision, describing sacrifice as an essential element in building a strong and enduring political platform.
The meeting concluded with renewed appeals for unity and grassroots mobilisation as party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding and strengthening the NDC’s presence nationwide ahead of the 2027 elections.
