NDC Warn Party Members Against Early Presidential Campaigns

The NDC Council of Elders has directed party members to avoid any premature presidential campaign activity.

Following a meeting with President John Mahama, the Council stated that the party’s focus should be on administration and implementing its Resetting Agenda, rather than internal succession disputes.

It warned that no individual or group may campaign for the presidency until the party formally publishes the schedule for its presidential primary.

See below for full statement:
STATEMENT BY THE COUNCIL OF ELDERS OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC
CONGRESS (NDC)
The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wishes to inform all members of the Party and the general public that it held a meeting with H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic and Leader of the NDC, on Friday, 29th May 2026.
Following extensive deliberations on matters concerning Party unity, discipline, and the collective responsibility of all members towards the successful implementation of the Government’s Resetting Agenda, the Council issues the following statement for the guidance of all-Party members.
The Council notes with concern the growing 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.
The Council further draws attention to the provisions of Article 42 of the Constitution of the National Democratic Congress, which clearly stipulates: “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 twelve (12) months before a national election date if the Party is in power and at least twenty-four (24) months if the Party is not 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.
Accordingly, the Council of Elders directs all persons engaged in such activities to ccase forthwith.
These include all forms of campaigning, mobilisation, endorsements, publicity, or related activitiesintended to advance the presidential ambitions of any prospective candidate.
The Council calls on all Party members to remain focused on the larger task before us: 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 intermal contests will come. For now, our collective responsibility is to serve the nation and successfully implement the mandate entrusted to us.
Issued by the Council ofElders
National Democratic Congress (NDC)