There is an uneasy calm in the camp of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over who leads the party into the 2028 polls.
Even before the party would officially declare nominations open, some individuals, currently serving under President John Mahama, are embarking on ‘covert campaign’ activities which have raised concerns among the party leadership.
The Council of Elders, in a statement issued on Friday, May 29, 2026, addressed the unease among sections of the party and the wider public regarding reports of premature presidential campaigns and related political activities by individuals and groups within the party.
“The Council wishes to remind all members that the NDC is currently focused on delivering on the mandate entrusted to it by the people of Ghana. At this critical stage of national reconstruction and renewal, every member of the Party is expected to devote his or her energies, resources, and commitment to supporting the Government’s efforts to reset the country and improve the lives of Ghanaians, rather than engaging in activities that have the potential to create division, distraction, or unnecessary internal competition,” it stated.
The Council of Elders further directed all persons engaged in such activities to cease forthwith.
“These include all forms of campaigning, mobilisation, endorsements, publicity, or related activities intended to advance the presidential ambitions of any prospective candidate,” it added.
The statement also announced that the date and venue for the election of the presidential candidate shall be decided by the National Executive Committee (NEC), but that election shall take place at least 12 months before a national election date if the party is in power, and at least 24 months if the party is not in power, citing provisions of Article 42 of the party’s constitution.
“The Council emphasises that, until the appropriate constitutional processes have been initiated and the National Executive Committee has determined the timetable and guidelines for the conduct of presidential primaries, no individual, group, or interest bloc is authorised to undertake or promote any form of presidential campaign, whether directly or indirectly,” it stated.
The Council further called on all party members to remain focused on the larger task before them; consolidating the party’s unity, supporting the government’s transformational agenda, and working together to fulfil the expectations of the Ghanaian people.
“The time for internal contests will come. For now, our collective responsibility is to serve the nation and successfully implement the mandate entrusted to us,” it added.
‘Contenders’
Recently, Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has been tipped by some members of the NDC as one of the favourites ready to succeeed President John Mahama, with Global InfoAnalytics poll placing him among the frontrunners in the party’s flagbearer race.
Political watchers believe Haruna Iddrisu, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, has strong support across swing regions and could appeal to younger members of the party.
National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, popularly known as General Mosquito, having served as the General Secretary of the party, has been embarking on what he described as a ‘Thank You Tour’ in various parts of the country.
According to him, the tour is aimed at expressing gratitude to grassroots supporters, party executives, and traditional leaders for their hard work and contributions to the NDC’s 2024 victory.
The National Chairman of the NDC, who has already toured some regions including Sisala West and East, Lambusie, Nandom, Jirapa, Nadowli and several other places including Ashanti Region, says his visit will rekindle support for the NDC, to retain the party in government in 2028.
Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, whom political analysts believe represents the younger generation of the party, is believed to be competent having worked for the country’s economic recovery since the NDC assumed the reins of power in 2025.
Political watchers believe the Finance Minister, who has served as Minority Leader and Deputy Finance Minister while in opposition, is likely to succeed President Mahama though he has not openly declared any interest in contesting for the flagbearer position when the party opens nominations.
Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the current first female Vice President, is also being placed in the conversations on the next flagbearer of the NDC. However, according to polls conducted by Global InfoAnalytics, other contenders would appeal to the younger members of the party than the Vice President.
Julius Debrah, who served as a minister during President Mahama’s first term in office and currently the Chief of Staff, is also tipped by many political watchers as one of the people who could be interested in succeeding President Mahama.
Julius Debrah, according to many analysts, is loyal to President Mahama, exuding a modest outlook in his interactions with many members of the party, including members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The Chief of Staff has in recent times embarked on what he also describes as “Walk With the Stars” event in Accra, aimed at energising the youth to embrace walking as a simple tool for healthy living.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah