Okudzato and Haruna Clash Over NDC Vice-Presidential Slot as Internal Tensions Rise
A heated political storm is brewing within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as two of the party’s most influential figures—Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Haruna Iddrisu—are locked in an intense behind-the-scenes contest to become the running mate to the NDC’s flagbearer, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, for the 2026 general elections.
Subtle Public Exchanges Reveal Deep Internal Competition
The rivalry spilled subtly into public view over the past month through contrasting speeches delivered by the two senior MPs.
About four weeks ago, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu delivered a high-profile speech centered on values, discipline, and moral conduct, using students’ hairstyle choices as an example of moral decline. His message stressed that Ghana’s youth must embrace discipline and traditional values to succeed.
However, just last week, during the Presec Legon Speech and Prize Giving Day, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa offered a contrasting message. Without mentioning Haruna directly, Ablakwa argued that the nation’s focus should be on attitude, innovation, and modern competitiveness, rather than what he described as “outdated moral policing.”
Political observers say these speeches were more than policy commentary—they were coded public markers in the escalating battle for who becomes Prof. Jane Naana’s running mate.
Regional Politics at Play
The contest has deepened because of long-standing regional expectations within the NDC.
Ablakwa’s Case: “It Is Time for a Voltarian Vice President”
Ablakwa, from the Volta Region, has strongly hinted that the party must correct what many Volta supporters see as a historical imbalance.
Despite being the NDC’s most loyal and consistent voting bloc, the Volta Region has not produced a vice president in the party’s history—apart from the era of Jerry John Rawlings, who served as head of state.
Ablakwa is said to be making the argument that:
- The Volta Region has earned its place at the highest level of the ticket.
- Picking a Voltarian running mate will energize and reward the base.
- 2026 presents the perfect moment for that shift.
Haruna’s Case: “The Northern Tradition Must Continue”
Haruna Iddrisu argues the opposite.
For him, the NDC has always performed strongly when it maintains the Northern-Ghana power balance on its ticket. With Naana Opoku-Agyemang coming from the Central Region, Haruna believes that choosing a Northern running mate is the party’s best strategic path to securing votes across the Northern Belt.
Haruna’s supporters emphasize:
- His strong political machinery in the Northern Region,
- His long-standing party loyalty,
- His national recognition and fundraising capacity.
They insist that only a Northern running mate guarantees the party’s electoral strength in 2026.
Growing Internal Division
NDC insiders confirm that the competition has created two powerful internal camps—the Ablakwa bloc and the Haruna bloc—each mobilizing members, regional executives, and opinion leaders ahead of the party’s internal decision-making processes.
Some party elders fear that if the issue is not handled carefully, it may deepen divisions at a critical moment when unity is essential against the ruling government.
Others believe the competition is healthy and will ultimately produce the strongest ticket for the 2026 elections.
What’s Next?
With Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang yet to announce her running mate officially, the internal lobbying is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
For now, the political messages disguised as moral and attitudinal debates are becoming the stage on which this high-stakes vice-presidential battle continues to unfold.
Nsemgh.com will continue to follow this developing story.