The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders has ordered party members and interest groups engaged in premature presidential campaign activities to immediately halt their operations, warning that no individual has been authorised to campaign for the party’s 2028 presidential nomination.
The directive followed a meeting between the Council of Elders and President John Dramani Mahama, who is also the leader of the NDC, on Friday, May 29, amid growing reports of early manoeuvring by individuals believed to be positioning themselves for the party’s next flagbearer race.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Council expressed concern over what it described as “growing unease” within sections of the party and among the public regarding reports of premature presidential campaigns and related political activities.
The Council stressed that the governing party’s immediate priority must be the successful implementation of the Mahama administration’s “Resetting Agenda” rather than internal succession battles.
“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,” the statement said.
The Council warned that activities capable of creating division, distraction, or unnecessary internal competition could undermine the government’s efforts and the party’s unity.
Citing Article 42 of the NDC Constitution, the Council reminded members that the timing of presidential primaries rests solely with the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). Under the party’s rules, presidential candidate elections must be held at least 12 months before a national election when the NDC is in power.
“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,” the statement noted.
The Council consequently directed all persons engaged in such activities to “cease forthwith.”
The order covers campaign activities, mobilisation efforts, endorsements, publicity drives and any other actions aimed at promoting the presidential ambitions of prospective candidates.
The intervention comes amid increasing speculation within political circles about potential contenders for the NDC’s presidential ticket after President Mahama’s current term, although the party has yet to announce any roadmap for selecting its next flagbearer.
The Council urged members to remain united and concentrate on governance and service delivery.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by the Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
