A member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team, Hamza Suhuyini, has admitted that the party will feel the impact of Johnson Asiedu Nketiah’s absence as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.
The NDC, he said, would miss not only the experience of its National Chairman but also his institutional memory, leadership and influence on the party’s political direction after years of service.
Speaking on Key Points on Saturday, Mr Suhuyini acknowledged that the decision by Mr Asiedu Nketiah not to contest again would create a significant leadership vacuum that could affect the party’s progress.
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“We would not pretend that indeed we are not going to miss an important figure when it comes to the politics of the NDC. We would, and it will have ramifications as far as the progress of the party is concerned,” he said.
However, Mr Suhuyini maintained that the governing party has the capacity to overcome the challenge, citing its history of adapting to changing political circumstances and responding to internal difficulties.
According to him, the NDC is working to ensure that the leadership gap created by the absence of experienced figures would be filled as it prepares for the next general election.
“This is a party that has proven that it is dynamic. This is a party that has proven that it can change in time in tandem with the requirements of the country,” he stated.
Mr Suhuyini explained President John Dramani Mahama’s role in connecting the NDC’s older generation with younger members, describing him as a key figure in preserving the party’s institutional knowledge while embracing modern political realities.
According to him, Mr Mahama has played an important role in bridging the gap between the party’s founding generation and its newer membership.
He argued that the President’s understanding of the NDC’s history, combined with his appreciation of the need for political renewal, had helped shape the party’s approach during its eight years in opposition.
Mr Suhuyini nevertheless acknowledged that the eventual absence of Mr Mahama from the presidency could also have serious implications for the NDC’s electoral prospects.
“His absence or his exit from the presidency would have dire consequences on the chances of the National Democratic Congress as a party, especially in the next election,” he said.
He added that the party is conscious of these challenges and would work to maintain continuity by drawing on the guidance and support of experienced leaders, even when they no longer occupied their previous positions.
Despite the potential difficulties, Mr Suhuyini expressed confidence that the NDC would navigate the transition, pointing to the party’s history of confronting and overcoming political challenges.
He said the NDC understands the implications of losing experienced leaders and is taking steps to ensure that their absence will not undermine its preparations for the 2028 elections.
“We are a party rooted in revolution. We would find our way out of this challenge as well,” he said.