The NDC faces a difficult trade-off between encouraging internal democratic competition and maintaining party discipline, political analyst Dr Jalilu Ateku has said, warning that premature campaigning could disrupt governance.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday (1 June), Ateku said while democratic systems permit political ambition, such activity must align with party rules and timing.
“Democracy allows competition, but it must be guided by rules,” he said. “Even elections are like football — there are regulations.”
The debate follows a directive from the party’s Council of Elders urging members to avoid actions that could be interpreted as early campaigning.
Ateku noted that the situation becomes more complex when potential aspirants hold government positions, as political activity may distract from official responsibilities.
“There is always the risk that ministers shift focus from governance to campaigning so they are not left behind,” he explained.
He referenced precedent under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, where officials with presidential ambitions were encouraged to step down to concentrate on their campaigns.
However, Ateku acknowledged the challenge of enforcement, particularly when routine political engagement — such as meeting party executives — can be interpreted as campaigning.
“It is difficult to distinguish between legitimate party work and political positioning,” he said.
He suggested that clearer timelines for internal contests could help reduce tensions, though he conceded that even such measures may not fully eliminate early maneuvering.
Ultimately, he said, parties often rely on internal admonitions rather than strict enforcement to maintain cohesion.
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