The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed party members to refrain from engaging in premature presidential campaign activities, insisting that the party’s immediate focus must remain on governance and the successful implementation of the government’s agenda.
The directive follows a meeting between the Council and President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, May 29, during which issues relating to party unity, internal discipline, and support for the government’s Resetting Agenda were discussed.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Council expressed concern over reports that some individuals and groups within the party have begun positioning themselves ahead of future presidential primaries.
According to the Council, such activities risk creating unnecessary divisions within the party at a time when members are expected to rally behind the government and contribute to national development efforts.
The Elders stressed that the NDC was elected to address the challenges facing the country and that party members should devote their attention and resources to supporting the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Ghanaians.
“At this critical stage of national reconstruction and renewal, every member of the party is expected to commit fully to supporting the government’s efforts to reset the country rather than engage in activities that could create division, distraction or unhealthy internal competition,” the statement said.
The Council further cited Article 42 of the NDC Constitution, which outlines the procedures and timelines for selecting a presidential candidate.
It noted that the authority to determine the timetable and guidelines for presidential primaries rests with the National Executive Committee (NEC), and until such processes are formally activated, no individual or group has the mandate to campaign for the party’s future presidential slot.
The statement emphasised that any form of presidential campaigning, endorsements, mobilisation, lobbying or related activities undertaken before the official opening of the process is unauthorised.
“The Council emphasises that until the National Executive Committee establishes the timetable and guidelines for presidential primaries, no individual, group or interest bloc is authorised to engage in or promote any form of presidential campaign, whether directly or indirectly,” it stated.
Consequently, the Council directed all persons involved in such activities to cease immediately and focus on strengthening party unity and supporting the government’s policy objectives.
The Elders reiterated that internal contests are an important part of democratic party processes but maintained that the appropriate time for such competition has not yet arrived.
They urged members to remain disciplined and united behind the Mahama administration as it pursues its development and economic recovery agenda.
“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 by the Ghanaian people,” the Council added.