NDC clears 98 candidates for December national executive elections

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has cleared 98 aspirants to contest various national executive positions ahead of its ninth National Delegates Congress. Following a rigorous vetting process that involved 121 candidates, the party’s vetting committee disqualified 23 individuals for failing to meet constitutional and electoral eligibility requirements. One aspirant failed to attend the vetting session. The elections, scheduled for December 19, 2026, are a key component of the party's reorganization efforts in preparation for the 2028 general elections.

The race for the National Chairmanship has narrowed to four contenders: Sofo Azorka, Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, Nii Armah Ashietey, and Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye. While the contest for chairmanship and vice-chairmanship remains competitive, five candidates are set to be sworn in uncontested, including the incumbent General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey. Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, spokesperson for the National Elections Committee, noted that while 138 individuals initially picked up nomination forms, the final field was narrowed through the submission and vetting stages.

Disqualified aspirants have been granted a two-day window to appeal the committee's decision. Reactions to the vetting outcomes have been mixed; Steven Nhyira Odarteifio, who was disqualified from the National Youth Organiser race, accepted the decision and pledged to support the eventual winner for the sake of party unity. However, the process faces a legal challenge from Stephen Donkor, a General Secretary aspirant. Donkor has filed a lawsuit against the NDC and its Director of Elections, Mahdi Gibril, alleging he was wrongfully excluded from the race despite paying a GH₵80,000 filing fee.

With the list of eligible candidates now largely settled, the NDC has urged all aspirants to conduct their campaigns with decorum and focus on policy rather than personal attacks. The party leadership has confirmed that official delegates’ lists will be provided to all cleared candidates to facilitate their internal campaigning. This election cycle is seen as a vital step in solidifying the party's leadership structure ahead of the next national polls.