Peter Obi Under Fire, Faces Hypocrisy Allegations Over Call For NDC Aspirants To Accept ‘Flawed’ Primaries For Party Unity

Former presidential candidate and key opposition figure, Peter Obi, has drawn criticism after urging aggrieved aspirants of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to accept the outcome of the party’s primaries and prioritise unity despite concerns raised over the process.

Obi made the remarks during the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where he addressed members and aspirants dissatisfied with the recently concluded primaries.

Appealing for understanding among party members, Obi said political growth often requires sacrifice and patience, particularly for a party still building its structures.

According to him, the party has undertaken major activities, including conventions and primary elections, within a relatively short period, making internal challenges inevitable.

“I appeal to everyone to show understanding and make sacrifices for the sake of the party,” Obi reportedly said while addressing party faithful at the gathering.

He further urged members not to allow disagreements arising from the primaries to weaken the party’s long-term objectives, stressing that attention should remain focused on future political goals.

Obi also reassured disappointed aspirants that opportunities would remain open within the party, promising inclusiveness and accommodation as the political platform expands.

However, the remarks have triggered reactions from critics who argue that his appeal for tolerance over disputed internal processes appears inconsistent with positions he previously championed on electoral transparency and credible political processes.

Some observers pointed to Obi’s strong post-election stance after the 2023 presidential poll, where he repeatedly emphasised the importance of transparent processes and insisted that leadership must emerge through credible means.

Others referenced his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2022 presidential primaries, arguing that his political trajectory had largely been built around rejecting internal processes he considered unfair.

Supporters of the former governor, however, maintain that his comments were intended to calm tensions within the party and prevent post-primary divisions from affecting its broader political ambitions.

The development has continued to spark debate within political circles as the party navigates internal disagreements and attempts to consolidate support ahead of future elections.