Lawyer Martin Kpebu Slams NDC Appointees Over EOCO Conduct, Warns of 2028 Electoral Risks

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has issued a stinging critique of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, expressing profound disappointment over what he describes as the misuse of legal authority by government appointees. Kpebu, a prominent voice who campaigned for the NDC during the 2024 general elections that saw President John Mahama return to office, stated bluntly that he "didn’t campaign for the NDC to come and do this nonsense." His remarks specifically target the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and its handling of matters involving the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.

The controversy stems from EOCO’s recent conduct regarding the detention of the Manhyia South legislator, which Kpebu characterizes as a blatant disregard for established legal and parliamentary protocols. Kpebu highlighted that the anti-graft agency failed to follow proper procedures required when dealing with a sitting Member of Parliament, a move he believes undermines the rule of law. While criticizing the executive branch's appointees for their mismanagement, he commended the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for his strict adherence to parliamentary rules during the standoff, suggesting that the Speaker’s stance was a necessary defense of democratic institutions against agency overreach.

Kpebu’s frustration is rooted in his active support for the party during the recent election cycle, where he advocated for a change in government to restore public trust following the tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. He warned that the current behavior of certain appointees and agencies risks alienating the electorate and squandering the mandate given to the Mahama administration. According to Kpebu, such actions create a narrative of administrative arrogance that could severely damage the NDC’s image and jeopardize their prospects for retaining power in the 2028 elections.

The lawyer’s public warning serves as a call to action for the government to ensure its appointees respect legal boundaries and democratic norms. Kpebu argued that failure to address these perceived excesses will lead to mounting public resentment and a total loss of confidence in the government’s commitment to justice. As the administration navigates its early term, Kpebu emphasized that adhering to legal protocols is not merely a matter of procedure, but a political necessity for maintaining the legitimacy and longevity of the NDC government.