The contest for key leadership positions in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken a new turn after the party’s vetting committee disqualified 23 aspirants seeking various national executive positions.
The race for the NDC National Chairman position has now narrowed to four prominent party figures: incumbent National Vice-Chairman Sofo Azorka, former ministers Akwasi Oppong-Fosu and Nii Armah Ashietey, and former Odododiodio MP Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye.
The development follows the completion of the vetting exercise ahead of the party’s upcoming national executive elections, which will determine its leadership and organisational direction.
Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, spokesperson for the NDC Congress Elections Committee, announced the vetting results during a press briefing at the party’s headquarters, Rawlings House, in Accra, on Thursday evening.
According to him, 121 aspirants went through the vetting process, with 98 successfully cleared to contest and 23 disqualified. One aspirant reportedly failed to appear for the exercise.
Five NDC Executive Positions to Go Uncontested
The vetting results have also revealed that five executive positions will have no contest, allowing the successful nominees to be sworn into office at the party’s Ninth Delegates Congress.
Those expected to assume their positions without opposition include incumbent General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, Joseph Yammin, who is seeking the National Organiser position, and Godwin Ako-Gunn, who is contesting for Communications Officer.
The two Deputy National Women’s Organiser positions will also go uncontested because only two of the four nominated candidates successfully passed the vetting process.
NDC National Executive Committee Race Records Major Disqualifications
The National Executive Committee (NEC) race recorded some of the highest numbers of disqualifications during the vetting exercise.
Out of the 49 aspirants who submitted nominations for NEC positions, 32 were cleared to contest, while 16 were disqualified.
The National Youth Organiser contest also experienced disqualifications, with only two of the four aspirants who filed nominations successfully passing the vetting process.
However, all six aspirants seeking the position of Deputy National Youth Organiser were cleared to contest.
NDC Explains Why 23 Aspirants Were Disqualified
Explaining the reasons behind the disqualifications, Dr Otokunor said most of the affected aspirants failed to satisfy requirements outlined in the NDC constitution for individuals seeking national executive positions.
He further disclosed that one prospective candidate failed to complete the nomination process and was therefore not considered for vetting.
The disqualified aspirants have been given 48 hours to submit appeals against the decisions.
Dr Otokunor explained that candidates who successfully challenge their disqualification will be reinstated, with the appeals committee expected to officially publish decisions where errors are established and ensure affected candidates are included on the ballot.
Cleared NDC Candidates Begin Nationwide Campaigns
Candidates who successfully passed the vetting process have been authorised to begin nationwide campaigns ahead of the December national elections.
They will also receive delegates’ lists to support their campaign activities across the country.
However, Dr Otokunor has cautioned aspirants to conduct their campaigns responsibly by avoiding personal attacks, insults and other forms of divisive political behaviour.
He further reminded candidates that campaign materials, including posters, banners and billboards, must comply with the party’s guidelines on modesty and responsible campaigning.
According to him, the party is closely monitoring campaign activities and has so far observed a satisfactory level of compliance among aspirants.
NDC Releases Timetable for 2026 National Executive Elections
The NDC opened nominations between November 7 and November 9, with 121 out of the 138 individuals who picked nomination forms successfully submitting their applications.
The vetting exercise commenced on November 11 to assess candidates seeking 14 national executive positions.
The party has scheduled its Youth and Women’s Wing elections for December 13 and 14, 2026, while the main national executive elections will take place during the Ninth Delegates Congress on December 19, 2026.
The elections are expected to determine the party’s next national leadership team as it prepares for its future political activities and organisational priorities.
The party has also maintained that individuals holding government-appointed positions must resign before contesting for national executive positions.
The outcome of the vetting process is expected to shape the competition for key NDC leadership positions, particularly the highly contested National Chairman position.
Source: newsthemegh.com