Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has extended his lead in the party’s 2028 presidential flagbearer race. A new nationwide survey by Africa Policy Lens (APL) shows Nketiah securing 33.8% of first-preference support among NDC constituency and branch executives. This figure represents an increase from his 31.9% support recorded in APL’s April survey.
The most significant movement in the race was observed with Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education. Iddrisu surged to second place, garnering 22.5% support, a notable rise from 17.9% in April. Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson also gained ground, increasing his support from 13.0% to 15.1%, placing him third. Conversely, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah experienced a substantial decline, with his support dropping from 30.1% in April to 9.7% in June.
This reshuffling of preferences indicates a more defined hierarchy within the NDC flagbearer contest. The APL survey suggests the race has moved beyond what initially appeared to be a two-person contest in April. Nketiah has solidified his position as the frontrunner, with Iddrisu now emerging as his principal challenger. This dynamic is crucial for the NDC as it prepares for the 2028 general elections, influencing party unity and strategic direction.
According to the APL report, delegates perceive Johnson Asiedu Nketiah most frequently as the principal competitor in the race. The survey highlighted that NDC delegates are prioritizing competence and credibility over mere campaign visibility. The top considerations for choosing a flagbearer include experience and a proven track record, personal integrity and honesty, the ability to unite the party, and strong grassroots appeal. These factors suggest a mature and discerning electorate within the party.
Despite Nketiah’s current advantage, APL cautions that the contest remains competitive. Delegate preferences may continue to evolve as campaigns intensify, especially given the gains made by both Iddrisu and Forson between April and June. The survey involved structured telephone interviews with 3,540 politically active constituency and branch executives across all 276 constituencies. This broad representation aims to capture grassroots sentiment accurately.
APL emphasized that its findings represent a snapshot of grassroots sentiment during the data collection period, not a prediction of the eventual outcome. The NDC is expected to hold its presidential primary in 2027 to officially elect its flagbearer for the upcoming 2028 general elections. The evolving dynamics will likely shape internal party strategies and public perception in the coming months.
The shift in delegate support reflects a broader trend in Ghanaian politics where voters, even within party structures, are increasingly looking for leaders who embody specific qualities beyond traditional political rhetoric. The emphasis on integrity and unity suggests a desire for stability and effective governance. This survey provides valuable insights into the internal workings and future direction of one of Ghana's major political parties.
The significant drop in support for Julius Debrah, from a strong second position to fourth, underscores the volatile nature of political campaigns. It also highlights how quickly delegate sentiment can change based on various factors, including perceived electability and campaign effectiveness. The upcoming months will be critical for all aspirants to consolidate their support and address the priorities identified by the delegates.