'My loyalty is to Mahama' - Mustapha Gbande on NDC future leadership

Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has addressed discussions about the party’s future leadership, reaffirming his loyalty to President John Dramani Mahama while warning members against actions he believes could undermine party unity and discipline.

Gbande said his immediate focus remains on supporting President Mahama’s administration and ensuring its success, rather than engaging in discussions about future political contests.

“General Mosquito is my father, okay, and he's, my boss. He hasn't told me that he wants to contest election between you and I. Nobody else told me they want to be president.

“As I sit here, my loyalty, whether the President likes me or he doesn't like me, is to the President. I want to see President Mahama succeed", he stated in an interview on Citi News on July 16, 2026.

The NDC Deputy General Secretary also explained that the party’s internal guidelines do not allow national officers to make premature declarations of intentions for future contests, arguing that such actions could disrupt the party’s arrangements.

“The National Chairman, we don't put out National Chairman for national elections. And so, the dynamics are quite different,” he stated.

“But when we get to that bridge, we would cross because again, at this point in time, no national officer can put out a contest because I have issued an instruction based on our guidelines that premature declaration of intentions undermines the arrangements that we have", he stated.

Gbande stressed that while individuals may have political ambitions, they must respect the party’s structures and timing.

He further cautioned NDC members against conduct that could create disorder within the party, questioning whether such actions align with the interests of members who want to see the party succeed.

“If you are a faithful NDC member who wants to see your party in power, do you believe in disorder? Do you believe in indiscipline?” he asked.

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He indicated that some members privately express concerns about the party but adopt a different position when speaking collectively.

“You meet everybody and they are complaining individually to you and when they meet in the group, they are pretending,” he said.

Gbande also warned that he would not remain silent on matters affecting the NDC, insisting that his interventions are motivated by his commitment to the party.

“If anybody thinks I will be silent, they are joking,” he added.

He maintained that his comments are aimed at protecting the party’s unity and ensuring that members remain focused on strengthening the NDC ahead of future political challenges.

JKB/VPO

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