By Lord Fiifi Quayle , Strategic Liaison 

Barely eight months into the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, subtle manoeuvres and whispered campaigns from potential flagbearer aspirants are threatening to shift focus from the government’s “Resetting the Economy” agenda, political analysts have observed.

This early jostling for position, occurring even as President John Dramani Mahama settles into the Jubilee House, has sparked a debate on timing, party unity, and the strategic preparation needed to secure electoral victory in 2028.

Names such as National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku, and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu are being whispered in political circles as those already “lacing their boots” for the succession race.

This development stands in stark contrast to the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which is methodically preparing to elect its presidential candidate this January. The frontrunners in that contest are expected to be former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, and former Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong.

A Premature Race?

Speaking to “Tv Democrat, Politics Today”, Senior Political Analyst , Lord Fiifi Quayle, cautioned the NDC against early in-fighting.

“The greatest asset for any NDC candidate in 2028 will be the performance of the Mahama government,” Lord Quayle stated. “Any subliminal campaigning now is a strategic error. It creates factions, distracts ministers from their core mandate of delivering on campaign promises, and presents an image of disunity and ambition over governance to the Ghanaian electorate.”

He added that while the NPP’s early contest is a necessity of being in opposition, the ruling party has the luxury of time and should prioritise governance.

The NPP’s Calculated Early Move

Across the aisle, the NPP is hoping its early primary will allow it to unite quickly behind a flagbearer and present a strong, focused opposition for the next three years.

Each potential candidate offers a different appeal. 

Dr. Bawumia carries high name recognition but also the baggage of the previous government’s economic record. 

Kennedy Agyapong commands a massive grassroots populist base but remains a polarising figure. 

Bryan Acheampong is seen as a strong, decisive dark horse with significant influence within the party.

A source within the NPP, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told this network: “Our message in 2028 will be simple: a referendum on the NDC’s performance. If they fail Ghanaians, as we expect they will, our candidate, whether Bawumia, Ken, or Bryan, will be the natural alternative. Our early contest is to ensure we are ready and united.”

A Test of Discipline for the NDC

For the NDC, the challenge will be to keep its ambitious figures focused on their current assignments. The government’s ability to stabilize the economy, alleviate the cost of living, and create jobs will be the ultimate determinant of whether the party can retain power, regardless of who leads it.

A party communicator, Kwame Gyamfi, defended the right of individuals to have ambitions but agreed on the need for caution. “It is healthy for democracy to have many capable leaders. However, the party’s discipline must hold. The focus for today, tomorrow, and the next three years must be on supporting H.E. President Mahama to deliver for Ghana. The time for internal competition will come, but it is not now.

As the political temperature begins to rise years ahead of schedule, Ghanaians will be watching to see which party manages its internal dynamics better, for it is often discipline and unity that win elections as much as policies and promises.

GHANA MUST WORK AGAIN