Who leads NDC in 2028? Six names pop up

The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially entered a new phase of political succession as President John Dramani Mahama, who returned to power in the 2024 elections, has publicly announced that he will not contest as the party’s flagbearer in 2028.

His decision has triggered an intense but expected race among senior figures of the party, with six prominent names already emerging as frontrunners.

The Stakes of 2028

With John Mahama constitutionally barred from seeking another term after 2028, the NDC faces the delicate task of selecting a successor capable of consolidating his legacy and retaining power.

Party strategists acknowledge that the outcome of Mahama’s current administration will heavily shape the electoral fortunes of whoever emerges flagbearer.

The National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia has already warned that the NDC’s prospects depend on Mahama’s success, cautioning that a weak performance could discourage even the most ambitious aspirants.

The Frontrunners

Six influential figures have so far positioned themselves, directly or indirectly, for the challenge:

1. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah – Popularly known as “General Mosquito,” the NDC National Chairman has decades of political experience and grassroots appeal.

His rise within the party, from MP, deputy Minister to General Secretary and National Chairman, has made him one of the most influential voices.

However, at 68, questions remain about whether the electorate will favour an older candidate in 2028 when he woulb around 71, even if the NDC delegates elected him.

Sources said Asiedu Nketiah’s foray into the NDC presidential race was informed by the attempt to consider Eric Opoku, as a potential running mate to John Mahama in the 2020 elections, with the suggestion that he was far better than the current Agriculture Minister.

2. Julius Debrah – Currently serving as Chief of Staff to President Mahama. Julius Debrah is increasingly being projected as the strategic choice for the NDC.

Civil society group Citizen Eye Ghana recently described him as the most unifying figure within the party, citing his governance experience as a former Regional Minister, Local Government Minister, and now Mahama’s closest aide.

His Eastern Region roots also provide regional balance after two successive Northern candidate.

Debrah has moved to the political turf instead of ensconced himself at the Presidency, supervising the implementation of government projects. He may end up to be the most visible chief of staff in recent past.

3. Haruna Iddrisu – The Minister for Education and long-serving Member of Parliament from Tamale South is widely respected for his parliamentary experience and policy acumen.

At 54, he represents a younger, energetic face for the NDC. Polls by Global InfoAnalytics have consistently placed him in the lead among grassroots NDC supporters, though some insiders fear regional fatigue since Mahama also hails from the north.

His shadowy group, The Haruna Institute with only visibility on social media is championing his political aspiration.

4. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson – The Minister for Finance and leader of government’s economic management team has earned praise for his recent policies.

According to polls, his command of fiscal policy appeals to the professional class, and he is considered a rising star with broad national recognition.

His candidacy, however, may be vulnerable to public discontent over economic hardships.

Ato Forson is said not to be popular among his ministerial peers as he starves them with project funds.

The directive to push all government contracts to his ministry before penning them has incurred the anger of his colleagues.

He is accused of using that strategy to build war chest with one of the cash-soaked ministries.

According to sources, he is allegedly aligned with a foreign country from the Middle East which has promised to make him a president by awarding contracts to contractors from that country.

5. Goosie Tanoh – A veteran of revolutionary fervor. Tanoh currently serves as Presidential Envoy on Mahama’s flagship 24-hour Economy Initiative and is using that to relaunch his fading political career after his sojourn to form the National Reform Party, NRP in the year 2000.

His historical role in the NDC, coupled with his intellectual depth, positions him as a thought leader within the race. While not the most popular grassroots figure, he appeals strongly to policy-minded elites and reformists. He is allegedly enjoying the support of the cadres’ wing of the NDC.

6. Eric Opoku – The Minister for Food and Agriculture has gained visibility for his work in revitalizing the agribusiness sector.

Coming from the Bono Region, his candidacy could appeal to middle-belt voters. He is, however, considered the underdog in this high-profile lineup as his main backer is Lordina Mahama, the First Lady.