The possibility of National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah contesting the party’s presidential primary ahead of the 2028 general election has gained fresh political attention after General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey publicly affirmed that the veteran politician has earned the right to seek the presidency.
Although Fifi Kwetey stopped short of confirming that Asiedu Nketiah has formally declared his intention to contest, his choice of words during an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, has intensified speculation about the chairman’s political future, particularly following his decision not to seek re-election as NDC National Chairman.
Interestingly, it’s alleged that Fifi will be nominated as Asiedu Nketiah’s running mate, should be emerged as the next NDC Flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
Kwetey made it clear that he would have no objection if Asiedu Nketiah decided to pursue the party’s presidential nomination, arguing that his years of dedicated service and leadership within the NDC had earned him the opportunity to seek the country’s highest political office.
“It shouldn’t be a problem at all. I mean, he qualifies to run for president,” Kwetey stated.He further emphasised that Asiedu Nketiah had served the party diligently at its highest levels and should not be prevented from pursuing the presidency because of his previous leadership positions.
“Of course. I mean, he has served the party diligently. I mean, at the highest level, if he wants to go for it, should I call it the highest position of the party, why not?” he added.
The comments have become particularly significant because they came from the NDC’s General Secretary, a senior party official whose remarks are likely to attract attention as the governing party begins discussions about its post-Mahama political leadership.
Kwetey’s Choice of Words Raises Political Questions
What has attracted the most attention is not merely Kwetey’s acknowledgement that Asiedu Nketiah qualifies to contest, but the way he carefully separated the chairman’s right to run from any personal endorsement of his possible candidature.
When pressed on whether he was supporting Asiedu Nketiah’s potential presidential ambition, Kwetey insisted that his responsibility as General Secretary was not to campaign for any individual but to maintain a fair environment in which all qualified aspirants could compete.
He explained that the NDC leadership must concentrate on strengthening the party and ensuring that no prospective candidate receives an unfair advantage because of personal relationships or positions held within the party.
“For me, it’s not about support; at the moment, my job for now is to ensure that the party as a vehicle remains strong and ensure that we create a fair playing field for everybody and then let the party make that determination as to where next we ought to go,” he said.
He further stressed that the eventual choice of the party’s presidential candidate must reflect the collective decision of NDC members rather than the personal preference of the General Secretary or any other senior official.
“So it will not be my choice at all. It will be the choice of the masses. And our people are very discerning,” Kwetey added.
The General Secretary was also asked directly whether Asiedu Nketiah intended to contest the 2028 presidential election. Rather than confirming or denying the speculation, he responded: “When you meet Asiedu Nketiah, you can ask him that.”
That response has further fuelled discussions about whether the NDC chairman is preparing to announce a presidential ambition or is deliberately keeping his political intentions undisclosed.
Asiedu Nketiah’s Decision to Abandon Chairmanship Race
On October 21, 2026, the party’s Director of Elections and IT, Mahdi Gibril, disclosed during TV3’s Ghana Tonight programme that the incumbent chairman was not seeking re-election.
The development was subsequently confirmed in media reports following the closure of nominations for the party’s national executive elections.
Asiedu Nketiah did not pick nomination forms to contest the chairmanship position, creating an opening for other senior NDC figures to compete for the leadership position.
Five individuals have been identified as contenders for the chairmanship: former National Chairman Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, former Odododiodio MP Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, former Greater Accra Regional Minister Nii Armah Ashietey, National Vice Chairman Sofo Azorka and former Local Government Minister Akwasi Opong-Fosu.
The decision not to seek another term has been widely interpreted as a possible indication that Asiedu Nketiah intends to redirect his political attention towards the NDC presidential primaries expected ahead of the 2028 general election.
However, he has not formally announced that he will contest, and his decision to leave the chairmanship should not, on its own, be treated as confirmation of a presidential bid.
Asiedu Nketiah, popularly known as General Mosquito, is among the most experienced political figures within the NDC.
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