The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has emphatically reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama as leader of the party, while cautioning aspirants against premature campaigns for the flagbearer slot.

In a statement issued after its meeting with the President on Friday, May 29, 2026, the Council left no ambiguity about the party’s leadership structure. It stressed that President Mahama holds the constitutional role of Leader of the NDC and directed all members with presidential ambitions to desist from activities that could create division.

“The Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wishes to inform all members of the Party and the general public that it held a meeting with H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic and Leader of the NDC, on Friday, 29 May 2026,” the statement read.

Although the Council did not name the National Chairman’s nationwide ‘Thank You’ tour directly, the timing has fuelled speculation. The tour, which has run for nearly a year, has drawn criticism from some party stakeholders who argue it blurs the line between the Chairman’s organisational role and the President’s constitutional leadership. Several have suggested the tour risks projecting the Chairman as a parallel leader and advancing his own presidential ambitions.

By restating Article 42 of the NDC Constitution, the Council reminded all members that the authority to set the timetable for presidential primaries rests solely with the National Executive Committee. Until the NEC announces official guidelines, the elders warned that all forms of campaigning, endorsements, and mobilisation must cease immediately.

“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 Council stated.