NDC Council of Elders orders immediate end to premature presidential campaigns within the party

The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a firm directive ordering all individuals, groups, and interest blocs within the party to immediately cease any form of presidential campaigning, whether direct or indirect — warning that no such activity is currently authorised under the party's constitution.

The statement, issued on Thursday, May 29, 2026, followed a meeting between the Council and President John Dramani Mahama, who serves as both President of the Republic and Leader of the NDC.

The Council said it had noted with growing concern reports of premature presidential campaigns and related political activities being carried out by individuals and groups within the party, activities it described as a source of unease among sections of the party and the wider public.

"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 statement read.

The Council drew attention to Article 42 of the NDC's Constitution, which sets out the rules governing the timing of presidential primaries. The provision stipulates that the date and venue for the election of a presidential candidate shall be decided by the National Executive Committee (NEC), and that such an election must take place at least twelve months before a national election date when the party is in power, and at least twenty-four months before the election date when the party is in opposition.

The Council emphasised that until the NEC has formally initiated the appropriate constitutional processes and determined a timetable for presidential primaries, no individual, group, or interest bloc has any authority to undertake or promote any form of presidential campaign.

"Accordingly, the Council of Elders directs 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," the statement declared.

The Council concluded its statement with a call for unity and focus, reminding all party members that their primary obligation at this time is to support the government's transformational agenda and 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," the Council stated.

NDC Council of Elders Bans All Presidential Campaigns, Directs Members to Focus on Governance