Ensure level playing field in NDC primaries – James Agbey urges party leadership

A leading member and operative of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), James Agbey, has called on party leadership to ensure fairness, transparency, and unity as the party prepares for its next phase of leadership beyond President John Dramani Mahama.

In a statement issued on Saturday March 21, 2026, Agbey warned against growing factionalism within the party, describing it as a threat to internal cohesion and grassroots confidence.

“As the NDC prepares to decide the fate of its political leadership post Mahama, we need an urgent end to the nasty factionalism coming from the top of the party where the views of the grassroots are treated with contempt,” he stated.

He also cautioned against what he described as “narrow factional agendas” emerging within the party’s rank and file, noting the rise of competing campaign groupings seeking to outmaneuver one another ahead of the anticipated presidential primaries.

Agbey observed that the expected contest is likely to be highly competitive, given the calibre of individuals positioning themselves for leadership.

“Just looking at the calibre of people readying themselves to take up the baton, it is clear the NDC is in for a serious intra-party political contest,” he noted.

While commending President Mahama for pledging not to interfere in the selection process, Agbey urged party and government officials to refrain from using their positions to favour particular candidates.

“We must not allow partisan attitudes of some party and government officials to use their offices to push any particular candidate’s aspiration to the disadvantage of others,” he stressed.

He further called for strict neutrality among party leaders, government officials, and public institutions to safeguard the integrity of the process.

“To achieve true internal party democracy, party leaders, government officials and public agencies should, at base, appear neutral,” he said.

Agbey emphasised that all aspirants must be given a fair opportunity to contest.

“The contest must be open, free and fair for all presidential aspirants, and any NDC activist who sees him or herself as capable must be given a level playing field,” he added.

He also urged party delegates to uphold democratic principles in the lead-up to the 2028 general elections and called on all factions to unite in the broader interest of the party and the country.

“This is not a time for rancour and bitterness,” he advised.

He also highlighted on what he described as the government’s efforts in addressing cost-of-living challenges and restoring national pride.

Agbey concluded by urging the NDC to lead by example, warning against repeating what he described as mistakes made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in previous elections.

“As a democratic and progressive party, the NDC must lead by example,” he stressed.