NDC Disqualifies 23 Aspirants from December 19 National Executive Elections, Clears 98

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has cleared 98 aspirants to contest its national executive elections on December 19, 2026, after disqualifying 23 candidates who failed to meet constitutional and electoral requirements during a two-day vetting exercise.

Addressing the media on Thursday, November 12, the party's Spokesperson on the National Elections Committee, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, disclosed that 138 individuals initially picked up nomination forms, but only 122 successfully filed. Of those, 121 appeared for vetting, with 98 qualifying to contest .

"122 individuals filed, and one was absent for the vetting, so it means that 121 undertook the vetting. Out of that, we had 23 disqualified. So if 23 were disqualified, then it means that we have about 98 people cleared to contest," Dr. Otokunor said .

Constitutional Hurdle

Dr. Otokunor explained that most disqualifications stemmed from a single constitutional clause setting prerequisites for national executive positions. "Almost all of them were disqualified on a clause that provides a prerequisite for individuals who contest for national executive positions. And they didn't meet that clause, that requirement, and so they had to be disqualified," he said .

The requirements, outlined in the party's electoral guidelines, included being proposed and seconded by members in good standing and securing endorsements from 150 party members across the country .

Breakdown of Disqualifications

The National Executive Committee (NEC) membership position recorded the highest number of disqualifications at 16, with 32 aspirants cleared to contest. For the Deputy General Secretary position, six of seven aspirants were approved, while one was disqualified. Two aspirants each were also disqualified from the Deputy National Women's Organizer and National Youth Organizer races .

Among those disqualified from the youth race was Steven Nhyira Odarteifio, who had campaigned on a platform of job creation and economic empowerment for young people .

Chairmanship Contest Wide Open

All four aspirants for National Chairman were cleared to contest, alongside 17 candidates for National Vice Chairman . The chairmanship race features Sofo Azorka, incumbent National Vice Chairman; Nii Armah Ashietey, former Greater Accra Regional Minister; Dr. Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, former Local Government Minister; and Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, former Odododiodio MP .

The contest marks the first time in about 21 years that Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, popularly known as General Mosquito, will not be on the ballot for a national executive position. He served as General Secretary for 17 years before being elected National Chairman in December 2022 and has decided not to seek another term .

Three positions—General Secretary, National Organiser, and National Communications Officer—attracted only one candidate each. Fifi Fiave Kwetey, Joseph Yammin, and Godwin Ako Gunn, respectively, are expected to be deemed elected upon successful vetting .

Campaign and Appeal

The committee said qualified aspirants can now begin campaigning across the country, with delegates' lists made available to guide their engagements. It urged candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns devoid of insults, personal attacks, and mudslinging .

Aspirants dissatisfied with the vetting outcome have two days to appeal to a committee established to review such complaints .

The elections will be held during the party's ninth National Delegates Congress on Saturday, December 19, 2026, as part of its reorganisation ahead of the 2028 general elections .