The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress has directed all party members engaged in presidential campaign activities to cease forthwith.
According to a statement issued by the Council of Elders, it met with President John Dramani Mahama and Leader of the NDC, that same day.
The statement noted with concern “the growing unease among sections of the Party and the wider public regarding reports of premature presidential campaigns and related political activities by individuals and groups within the Party.”
The Council reminded all members that the NDC is currently focused on delivering on the mandate entrusted to it by the people of Ghana.
It said at this critical stage of national reconstruction and renewal, every member is expected to devote energies to supporting the Government’s Resetting Agenda, rather than engaging in activities that have the potential to create division, distraction, or unnecessary internal competition.
Citing Article 42 of the NDC Constitution, the Council stated that the date and venue for the election of the Presidential Candidate shall be decided by the National Executive Committee, but that election shall take place at least twelve months before a national election date if the Party is in power and at least twenty-four months if the Party is not in power.
“Until the appropriate constitutional processes have been initiated and the National Executive Committee has determined the timetable and guidelines for the conduct of presidential primaries, no individual, group, or interest bloc is authorised to undertake or promote any form of presidential campaign, whether directly or indirectly,” the Council emphasised.
Accordingly, the Council of Elders directed all persons engaged in such activities to cease forthwith.
These include all forms of campaigning, mobilisation, endorsements, publicity, or related activities intended to advance the presidential ambitions of any prospective candidate.
The Council called on all Party members to remain focused on consolidating the Party’s unity, supporting the Government’s transformational agenda, and working together to fulfil the expectations of the Ghanaian people.
“The time for internal contests will come. For now, our collective responsibility is to serve the nation and successfully implement the mandate entrusted to us,” the statement said.
