Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has taken the lead in the race to succeed John Dramani Mahama as flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
This revelation from a recent poll by survey house, Global InfoAnalytics, sees Mr. Iddrisu leading in an extremely close race with 27%.
The poll, which was conducted in July 2025, according to the Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, has the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, following closely by a percentage point shy.
With 22%, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, follows the duo, with Chief of Staff Julius Debrah coming fourth.
According to him, it is “quite strange” for these findings without a declared contest, indicating a fluid and dynamic contest that paints a picture of the strong personalities and factions within the NDC.
The data is as follows:
- Haruna Iddrisu: 27%
- Johnson Asiedu Nketiah: 26%
- Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson: 22%
- Julius Debrah: 11%
- Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa: 8%
The vast difference between the top three candidates and the rest shows how pronounced the race for the NDC’s flagbearership is becoming.
Speaking on Accra-based JoyPrime on Saturday, September 20, 2025, Mussa Dankwah explained that the poll aimed to assess the popularity of key figures within the party.
Mussa Dankwah noted that Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang will be included in subsequent surveys if it’s confirmed she’ll be contesting
The findings come amidst a period of political maneuvering within the NDC, with several high-ranking members embarking on ‘Thank You’ tours and ‘Health Walks’, which are widely interpreted as early campaign activities.
Many believe these events are purposely meant to create a connection with the grassroots to gain momentum ahead of the official primary.
Meanwhile, supporters of the NPP have voiced Johnson Asiedu Nketia as their preferred candidate for the NDC, saying he will be the easiest to defeat among the high-ranking contestants in the party.
