NDC Council of Elders orders halt to premature presidential campaigns

NDC Council of Elders has directed all party members and groups to "stop immediately" engaging in premature presidential campaign activities. The directive follows a meeting between the Council of Elders and President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, May 29, 2026. The Council stated that such actions risk undermining party unity and distracting the government from its national agenda.

The Council expressed concern over growing unease within the party and among the general public regarding reports of early presidential campaign activities. The Council stated that the NDC's immediate priority should be supporting the government's efforts to implement its "Resetting Agenda" and fulfil promises made to Ghanaians. The Council reminded members that the NDC Constitution outlines the process and timeline for electing a presidential candidate, citing Article 42 which states that the National Executive Committee (NEC) determines the date and venue for the election of a presidential candidate. The election must take place at least 12 months before a national election when the party is in power.

The Council emphasized 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. The Council appealed to party members to remain united and focused on supporting the government to deliver on its mandate, stating, "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 intervention comes amid growing speculation about potential contenders for the NDC's future presidential ticket.