National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has strengthened his lead in the party’s race for the 2028 presidential flagbearership, according to a new nationwide survey by Africa Policy Lens (APL).
The June 2026 poll, conducted between June 24 and July 3, surveyed 3,540 NDC constituency and branch executives across all 276 constituencies. It found Asiedu Nketiah leading with 33.8% of first-preference support, up from 31.9% recorded in APL’s April survey.
Haruna Iddrisu Rises to Second
The survey recorded the biggest increase in support for Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who climbed to second place with 22.5%, up from 17.9% in April.
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson also improved his standing, rising from 13.0% to 15.1% to retain third place.
Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah experienced the sharpest decline among the leading contenders. His support fell from 30.1% in April to 9.7% in June.
According to APL, the latest findings suggest the contest has shifted from what appeared to be a two-horse race in April to a clearer hierarchy led by Asiedu Nketiah, with Haruna Iddrisu emerging as his main challenger.
“Johnson Asiedu Nketiah is also the candidate most frequently perceived by delegates as the principal competitor in the race,” the report stated.
Delegates Prioritise Experience and Integrity
The survey found that delegates are placing greater emphasis on leadership qualities than campaign visibility in selecting the party’s next flagbearer.
According to APL, the leading factors influencing delegates’ choices are experience and a proven track record, personal integrity and honesty, the ability to unite the party, and grassroots appeal.
Race Still Competitive
Despite Asiedu Nketiah’s lead, APL said the contest remains open, noting that delegate preferences could continue to shift as the campaign gathers momentum.
“The contest remains competitive and delegate preferences may continue to evolve as campaigns intensify,” the report said, pointing to the gains made by both Haruna Iddrisu and Cassiel Ato Forson between April and June.
The survey was conducted through structured telephone interviews with politically active constituency and branch executives drawn from across the country.
APL cautioned that the findings represent a snapshot of grassroots sentiment during the survey period rather than a prediction of the eventual outcome.
The NDC is expected to elect its presidential flagbearer in 2027 ahead of Ghana’s 2028 general elections.
