NDC Council of Elders Orders Immediate End to Early Presidential Campaigns

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders has directed all party members, supporters and affiliated groups to immediately suspend any activities linked to the promotion of prospective presidential candidates until the party officially announces a timetable and guidelines for its next presidential primaries.

The directive was issued following a meeting between the Council of Elders and President John Mahama, who also serves as the leader of the NDC, on Friday, May 29, 2026.

In a statement, the Council expressed concern over reports of premature political mobilisation and campaign activities by individuals and groups within the party. It stressed that the NDC’s current focus should be on supporting the Mahama administration to deliver on its promises to Ghanaians rather than engaging in internal succession politics.

“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 statement said.

The Council reminded members that Article 42 of the party’s constitution mandates the National Executive Committee (NEC) to determine the date and venue for presidential primaries. It therefore emphasised that no person or group has the authority to campaign for any presidential hopeful until an official timetable is announced.

As a result, all forms of campaign-related activities, including endorsements, mobilisation efforts, publicity campaigns and other actions aimed at advancing presidential ambitions, have been prohibited with immediate effect.

The Council also called on party members to prioritise unity and channel their energies into supporting the government’s “Resetting Agenda,” noting that internal contests should only begin when the party activates the appropriate constitutional processes.

By: Radio1/ Paulina Armah