The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders has directed all party members and groups engaged in premature presidential campaign activities to stop immediately, warning that such actions risk undermining party unity and distracting the government from its national agenda.
The directive follows a meeting between the Council of Elders and President John Dramani Mahama, who is also the leader of the NDC, held on Friday, May 29, 2026.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Council expressed concern over what it described as growing unease within the party and among the general public regarding reports of early presidential campaign activities by certain individuals and groups.
According to the Council, the NDC’s immediate priority should be supporting the government’s efforts to implement its “Resetting Agenda” and fulfil promises made to Ghanaians rather than engaging in internal political contests.
The Council stressed that the party is currently focused on governance and national development, urging members to channel their energy and resources into supporting the administration’s programmes and policies.
It further reminded members that the NDC Constitution clearly outlines the process and timeline for electing a presidential candidate.
Citing Article 42 of the party’s constitution, the Council noted that the date and venue for the election of a presidential candidate can only be determined by the National Executive Committee (NEC), and that such elections must take place at least 12 months before a national election when the party is in power.
The Council therefore emphasised that no individual, group or interest bloc has the authority to undertake or promote any form of presidential campaign until the appropriate constitutional processes have been activated and an official timetable announced by the NEC.
It consequently ordered all forms of campaigning, mobilisation, endorsements, publicity and related activities intended to advance the ambitions of prospective presidential candidates to cease immediately.
The Council also appealed to party members to remain united and focused on supporting the government to deliver on its mandate.
“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 said.
The intervention comes amid growing speculation and conversations within sections of the party about potential contenders for the NDC’s future presidential ticket, despite the absence of an official roadmap for presidential primaries.
