Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on Monday night assured aspirants of the party that their sacrifices and commitment to building a new Nigeria would not be in vain, even if they eventually fail to secure party tickets.
Speaking at the NDC Aspirants Dinner in Abuja, Obi stated that the party was determined to build a political institution founded on service, fairness, inclusion, and internal democracy, rather than personal interests and transactional politics.
He commended aspirants for offering themselves for public service at a difficult period in Nigeria’s history, noting that their courage and sacrifices would be recognised by the party.
“I assure you that your sacrifice will not be in vain. All of us will not succeed, all of us will not be selected, all of us will not be winners, but it is time we start recognising people who have worked so hard for this country,” Obi said.
He urged party members not to be discouraged by temporary setbacks, emphasising that rebuilding Nigeria required sacrifice and perseverance.
According to him, the NDC was not being established as a platform for opportunistic politicians seeking temporary relevance, but as a long-term political movement that would outlive its founders.
“We are not building a special-purpose vehicle for anybody. We are building a party that will stand the test of time, a party of principles and service, not a one-man show,” he stated.
Obi also reflected on his recent visit to South Africa, where he met with government officials and former President Thabo Mbeki over the plight of Nigerians living in the country.
He lamented the worsening condition of Nigerians abroad, saying many citizens had lost confidence in their homeland due to insecurity, economic hardship and poor governance.
He said “If things were working in Nigeria the way they should, most of our people abroad would not be there. Some of them told me they would rather die there than return home because things are worse in Nigeria.”
Obi decried the decline of Nigeria’s international standing, recalling the country’s leading role in global peacekeeping operations in previous decades.
“Nigeria once commanded United Nations peacekeeping operations globally, but today Nigeria cannot secure itself. That is unacceptable,” he added.
Also speaking at the dinner, former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, disclosed that the party had concluded arrangements to introduce electronic voting for its congresses and primary elections.
Dickson said the party had already developed a digital voting platform that would enable registered members to vote using their mobile phones, but noted that its deployment was delayed to allow for proper testing and consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“We wanted to shock Nigeria with electronic voting, but we do not want glitches or mistakes. By the next round of elections, every registered voter in NDC will use their phones to vote,” he said.
The Senator described the NDC as a movement built to endure beyond the ambitions of individual politicians.
“We are building together a monumental movement that will outlast all of us. The NDC is not a transactional vehicle for anyone,” Dickson stated.
He explained that the party was putting in place leadership structures from the ward to the national level to ensure grassroots participation and institutional stability.
According to him, the party’s philosophy was anchored in inclusion and equal opportunity, insisting that members would not need to know influential individuals before accessing opportunities within the party.
“All you need is your registration card in the NDC. The party will provide mentorship, guidance, political enlightenment and opportunities for all,” he added.
Dickson further urged members to remain patient as the party gradually builds its structures nationwide, noting that the NDC leadership remained committed to transparency and fairness in all its processes.
He also called on aspirants to focus on grassroots mobilisation and strengthening the party at their local levels rather than depending on Abuja-based political patronage.
“We want involvement and inclusion of everybody, from the ward level to the national level. Here in the NDC, it is monkey-work-monkey-chop,” he declared.
