Early campaign, early warning – Abass Fuseini Sbaabe writes

EARLY CAMPAIGN, EARLY WARNING

By: Comrade Abass Fuseini Sbaabe
(Former DCE, Fanteakwa; Aspiring Eastern Regional Secretary)

It does not require deep political insight to see that both the NDC and the NPP are experiencing pressures toward early internal elections. The NPP, now in opposition, made this choice deliberately. Having suffered the consequences of late internal contests and unresolved wounds ahead of the 2024 general elections, the party decided to act differently.

The NPP constitutionalised early internal elections, adopting what is now called a top-to-bottom approach, electing a flagbearer and key national executives early, even before elections are organised from the base. The logic is simple: finish internal contests early, allow time for healing, and enter the general election cycle united.
The NDC observed the changes in NPP’s strategy and began assessing what it could mean for its own internal party dynamics.

For a party in government, however, early internal elections, especially at the flagbearer level, carry serious risks. Selecting a flagbearer too early shifts attention from the sitting president to a successor-in-waiting and can undermine cohesion, authority, and policy focus. For this reason, early internal elections were traditionally not considered within the NDC’s governing culture.

Yet, despite this caution, a number of developments gradually nudged the party toward an early internal-election mindset.
What Changed the Atmosphere?

Three major factors stand out.

First, the NPP’s constitutionalisation of early elections created psychological pressure. Political parties do not operate in isolation, and competitive imitation is real. When one party changes its internal calendar, the other is forced to reassess its own timing and preparedness.

Second, early opinion polls conducted by organisations such as Global InfoAnalytics, led by Mussa Dankwa, sparked conversations about future leadership, particularly the post-2028 era. While such polls may be academically defensible, their political effect was immediate. Names mentioned in these surveys drew attention and ambition. Others, not mentioned, began gauging grassroots sentiment and seeking relevance. What could have been neutral data became fuel for internal speculation.

Third, the recognition and rewarding of party executives during the formation of President John Dramani Mahama’s government played a role. From the national level down to constituencies, many executives were appointed into government. While deserved in many cases, this also produced an unintended perception among grassroots activists: that elections are won by the base but enjoyed by executives.

Among non-executive activists, a sentiment began to circulate: “We won the elections for the executives.” The logical response was predictable: if positions after victory largely go to executives, then more activists must compete to become executives.

From Murmurs to Momentum

These factors combined to create a visible surge in early ambition from branch to national level. What started as quiet discussions about who might succeed President Mahama after 2028 has evolved into open expressions of readiness to serve at all levels of the party.
This shift is no longer anecdotal. The early release of internal election guidelines covering branch, ward, constituency, and regional elections is evidence of this pressure. Guidelines are rarely issued into a vacuum. Their timing reflects growing agitation, rising ambition, and increasing organisational readiness among party members.
Some observers dismiss this as premature politicking. But a closer look reveals something else: a party that is alive. Its members are thinking ahead, organising early, and reclaiming ownership of the structures. This signals internal revival, democratic consciousness, and renewed grassroots confidence—qualities that were once the NDC’s greatest strength.

Opportunity or Threat?

If properly guided, this early campaigning energy can deepen internal democracy, sustain grassroots engagement, and produce better-prepared leaders. Aspirants are visiting constituencies and their branches, supporting local activities, and rekindling interest at the base. Even modest resources injected into branch-level organisation are revitalising participation.
However, there is a clear danger.

Left unmanaged, early ambition can divert attention from governance. Fewer activists are actively projecting the achievements of the Mahama administration on social media and in public discourse. The focus is gradually shifting from defending government performance to internal positioning.

The NDC must strike a delicate balance: encourage healthy competition while keeping attention on governance, communication, and delivery. Internal democracy must not come at the expense of external credibility.

Conclusion:
Early Campaign, Early Warning

Early campaigns are not always a curse. Sometimes they are an early warning, a sign that the party’s blood is still warm, that its base is thinking, and that the next generation of leaders is preparing.

The real danger lies not in early ambition, but in unmanaged ambition. Party leadership must channel, not suppress, this energy. Aspirants must organise around ideas, community impact, and results, not personality wars. Let us compete with purpose, not pride; with loyalty, not bitterness; and with vision, not vengeance.
In the end, it is not ambition that wins elections; it is unity, focus, and disciplined organisation.