A new poll by Global InfoAnalytics has highlighted the fierce competition within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as leading figures position themselves to succeed President John Dramani Mahama as the party’s next flagbearer.
Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Insight with Blessed Sogah on Saturday, September 21, Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director and Head of Research at Global InfoAnalytics, revealed that the succession race is “extremely close,” with several contenders enjoying strong backing from the party’s grassroots.
According to the July poll, Haruna Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tamale South and Minister of Education, currently leads the field with 27 percent support. He is followed closely by NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah with 26 percent, while Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson ranks third with 22 percent.
The poll results are as follows:
• Haruna Iddrisu – 27%
• Johnson Asiedu Nketiah – 26%
• Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson – 22%
• Julius Debrah – 11%
• Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – 8%
The data suggests a three-horse race, with a significant gap separating the top contenders from the rest. Dankwah described the findings as “quite strange,” given that no official contest has yet been declared.
He also noted that the poll was designed to measure the popularity of leading figures within the NDC. Should current Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang enter the race, her name will be factored into future surveys.
The findings come at a time of heightened political activity within the party, as several prominent members embark on “Thank You Tours” and “Health Walks.” Analysts interpret these as early campaign moves to connect with the grassroots and build support ahead of an eventual contest.
Under the NDC’s constitution, a flagbearer must be elected by delegates ahead of the general election. While former President Mahama won the last contest decisively, the race to succeed him is shaping up to be far more competitive.
