The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama’s return to power was aided not only by the NDC’s renewed internal strength, but also by support from within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on December 10, 2025, Gbande said several NPP insiders quietly backed Mahama because they believed the country was heading toward collapse.

“Many NPP insiders supported our candidate because they felt the country was on the brink. They believed enough was enough,” he stated.

No matter what NPP, EC does, Mahama’s comeback is a done deal - Agbenyo

Gbande also said the NDC had learnt hard lessons from its defeat in 2016, noting that the party had made a mistake by not fully backing Mahama to complete his vision while in office.

“We now understand that we erred by not standing firmly behind John Mahama. The vacuum created after he left confirmed that the country had abandoned good policies and projects,” he said.

According to him, key development initiatives such as roads, hospitals and schools were left unattended, creating an urgent need for Mahama’s comeback.

He also highlighted the role of civil society and the media, commending groups and individuals who pushed what he described as nationalistic agendas.

“Civil society played a major role, and the media stood for what was right. Our rank and file believed change was possible and rallied behind the leadership,” he indicated.

Gbande further disclosed that the party received what he described as ‘enormous support’ from elements within the NPP.

“The support came in many ways. I will keep it political”, he said.

He added that even sections of the NPP’s own base feared that President Akufo-Addo was leading Ghana in a dangerous direction.

“Some felt the president was on a path that would have supervised the collapse of a country called Ghana,” he asserted.

A lot of NPP people are clamouring for the return of Mahama - Asiedu Nketiah

Gbande further dismissed suggestions that the NDC won simply because the NPP weakened, insisting instead that the victory was the product of a strong, prepared and united party.

“The NDC won because we were strong, our executives were competent, and our flagbearer was credible with a clear vision,” he said.

He also credited the impact of the NDC’s running mate, now Ghana’s first female vice president, saying her candidacy reshaped the political narrative.

“Her presence changed the narrative and showed the country what real possibility looked like,” he added.

MRA/AE

Also, watch below Amnesty International's 'Protect the Protest' documentary as the world marks International Human Rights Day 2025