The sole presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for 2027, Peter Obi, and the party’s National Leader, Henry Seriake Dickson, on Monday night declared that the party would be built on internal democracy, inclusion and technology-driven reforms rather than personal ambition and transactional politics.

The duo spoke at the NDC Aspirants Dinner held in Abuja, where party leaders also unveiled plans to introduce electronic voting for future congresses and primary elections.

Obi assured aspirants that their sacrifices and contributions to building the party would not be forgotten, even if they failed to secure party tickets.

According to him, the NDC was determined to evolve into a political institution founded on service, fairness and principles rather than becoming a platform for opportunistic politicians.

“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.

The former Anambra State governor urged members not to be discouraged by temporary setbacks, stressing that rebuilding Nigeria would require sacrifice, patience and perseverance.

“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.

In his remarks, Dickson disclosed that the party had concluded arrangements to deploy electronic voting for future internal elections, describing the move as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s political process.

“I assure you that this will be the last primary in the NDC that will be done in the old-fashioned way that Nigerian politics has been playing because of time,” Dickson said.

“All other primaries, even six months from now, this party will be set for electronic voting. Every registered voter will use their phone to vote because that is the direction Nigerian elections should be going.”

The former Bayelsa State governor explained that the party had already developed a digital voting platform and mobile application but delayed deployment to allow for extensive testing and consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The platform and the app are ready, but they still have to be robustly tested. We do not want glitches,” he stated.

Dickson described the NDC as a “party of innovation” designed to endure beyond the ambitions of individual politicians.

“The NDC is not a special purpose vehicle for any human being. We are building together a political party that will stand the test of time,” he said.

He added that the party was putting structures in place from the ward level to the national level to guarantee grassroots participation and equal opportunities for members.

“All you need is your registration card in the NDC. The party will provide mentorship, guidance, political enlightenment and opportunities for all,” he said.

Dickson also urged aspirants to focus on grassroots mobilisation 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.

The event also witnessed the inauguration of a 21-member Selection Committee expected to work with party organs and caucus leaders in streamlining the nomination process for governorship, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly aspirants.

Earlier, National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, said the dinner was organised to reduce tension associated with party nominations and foster unity among members ahead of the primaries and the general elections.

“It is one person at the end of the day that will emerge to carry the banner of a political party,” Cleopas said.

“For those who may not emerge, you must make them feel important and part of the family because the general election is very vital.” (The Nation)