Nii Lante explains why he won’t contest Asiedu Nketiah for NDC top job

Former National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has disclosed that he will not challenge National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, if the latter decides to seek re-election.

He cited his respect for Asiedu Nketiah, whom he described as a senior brother and comrade, as his reason.

Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Vanderpuye stated that he would rather seek a different position within the party should Asiedu Nketiah decide to run as National Chairman.

"I don't see myself competing with my senior brother and comrade if he decides to contest as chairman once again. If he decides to stay on, I wouldn't contest him as National Chairman. I will go for another position," he said.

Vanderpuye, who recently resigned from his role as DRIP National Coordinator, indicated that although he admires Asiedu Nketiah's leadership style, he would bring his own approach to the management of the party if given the opportunity to serve in that position.

"Even though we are friends, we all have our own styles. If two people sit in the same classroom and are given the same question, they will answer it differently. His style definitely will be different from mine, but it will not vary too much," he explained.

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The former sports minister noted that his primary ambition is to help build a stronger and more resilient NDC capable of remaining attractive to young people whether the party is in government or opposition.

"I'm looking at building a very resilient NDC that will be the obvious choice for any youth of Ghana. A resilient NDC that will be able to stand on its own, whether in power or in opposition," he stated.

He further advocated greater grassroots participation in the party's decision-making processes, arguing that major policy decisions should reflect the views of members across all constituencies.

"I want a party where the grassroots are much more involved in decision-making. Major policy decisions that affect the grassroots should go down to the constituencies for their views before national executives take a final decision," he said.

He added that constituency-level discussions and feedback should be systematically channelled through regional structures to the national leadership to ensure that policies reflect the collective views of party members.

"When national is taking a decision on a policy, it should be a culmination of the views of all the 276 constituencies. We've had situations where national executives meet and take decisions without sufficient input from the grassroots. I want to change that," Vanderpuye added.

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