The National Democratic Congress (NDC) previously experimented with expanding participation in its internal elections to all members. The party was forced to abandon this system due to significant challenges, according to Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC. This historical context emerges after a recent Supreme Court ruling.
The Supreme Court ruled that the delegate system used by political parties to elect presidential and parliamentary candidates is unconstitutional. The court directed that all registered, card-bearing members should participate in such primaries. This decision mandates a shift from the current delegate-based system to a more inclusive approach.
Mr. Gbande stated on Joy News’ PM Express on July 30, 2026, that the concept of expanded internal voting is not new to the NDC. He explained, “We’ve been here before in our own account, where we sought to deepen our participation, widen it to all members. We had our challenges with it, and we had to abandon it at some point in time.” This indicates a prior attempt by the party to embrace broader member involvement.
The Supreme Court’s decision requires careful study before the NDC adopts an official position. Mr. Gbande described the ruling as one that a body is imposing on all parties. He noted that the party is yet to read the judgment and fully understand the prevailing issues. This cautious approach suggests the NDC will not rush into implementation.
The ruling raises practical questions that political parties must confront, particularly over funding and the organization of nationwide internal elections. Mr. Gbande questioned, “Number one, who is going to bear the cost of the election?” He highlighted that even managing the current college system requires payments, sometimes to the Electoral Commission, to ensure credibility. The financial burden of a nationwide election involving all members would be substantial.
He also questioned how parties would mobilise the large number of members expected to vote under the new arrangement. “Now, who is going to do some mobilisation?” he asked. Mobilising a vast number of people to voting centres, whether on an electoral area, district, or constituency basis, presents significant logistical challenges. These challenges include securing venues, managing voter registration, and ensuring security.
The NDC will first study the judgment and seek legal guidance before deciding its next steps. Mr. Gbande confirmed that the party would sit, read the judgment, and understand all the issues raised and resolved by the court. If necessary, they will seek clarification on any points in the judgment. This methodical approach aims to ensure the party’s compliance is well-informed.
The party’s eventual position will be informed by its legal team. Mr. Gbande expects that the party will arrive at a very informed position based on what their lawyers explain to them. This legal counsel is crucial for navigating the complexities of the Supreme Court ruling and its implications for party structures.
Despite his reservations about the practicalities, Mr. Gbande welcomed the broader democratic progress reflected in the ruling. He stated, “I think that we must first of all congratulate ourselves collectively with civil society on how far we have come and championing our democracy.” He noted that the focus has shifted from coups to strengthening democracy, even if the current situation presents mixed feelings for the party.