The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) has ruled out any extension or exemption for government appointees seeking to contest positions in the party’s upcoming internal elections, insisting that only those who complied with its resignation directive will be eligible.
The party had directed members holding specified government positions who intended to contest internal party offices to resign at least six clear months before the opening of nominations. The deadline for compliance expired in May 2026.
The directive applies to Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Managing Directors and their deputies, as well as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
Speaking to Citi News, the NDC’s Acting Director of Elections and IT, Mahdi Jibril, said the party would strictly enforce the directive and would not entertain requests for extensions or exemptions from appointees who failed to meet the deadline.
According to him, only three appointees within the affected category resigned before the May deadline, making them eligible to participate in the party’s internal elections.
“Whoever is in office after May is not qualified to contest the elections. Any CEO or Managing Director, if you are contesting the election at the national level, should resign from their position by now,” Mr. Jibril said.
His remarks underscore the party’s determination to uphold its internal regulations and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the internal polls.
The NDC’s directive forms part of measures aimed at preventing government appointees from using the advantages of public office to influence internal party contests while promoting fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
With the resignation deadline now passed, government appointees who remain in office will be ineligible to contest positions in the party’s internal elections unless the party revises its rules—a move Mr. Jibril has indicated will not happen.
