By Grace Zigah
The 2028 presidential race within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is already generating intense debate, with contrasting signals emerging from the party’s top hierarchy and grassroots.
While Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has publicly expressed support for Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to make history as Ghana’s first female president, new polling data places him—not her—as the clear frontrunner in the party’s succession contest.
Speaking during a visit to the Education Ministry, Haruna Iddrisu lauded the Vice President’s lifelong commitment to education, gender equality, and inclusivity, describing her as a “champion of education, gender rights and women’s empowerment.”
He prayed for her health and strength, declaring his personal wish to see her rise to the presidency after President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure.
He pledged his personal support if the Vice President decided to throw her hat into the ring.
But despite Haruna’s endorsement, there are no visible moves from Prof. Opoku-Agyemang to formally position herself for the 2028 flagbearership.
Although she has been attending official functions and recently commenced a market tour in the Ashanti Region—where she paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene—political analysts note that she has kept a relatively low political profile.
By contrast, the current Chief of Staff Julius Debrah appears more visible on the campaign trail, fueling speculation about his own ambitions.
Adding another twist, Global InfoAnalytics has released fresh survey data that reshapes the conversation.
The poll places Haruna Iddrisu at the top of the NDC presidential race with 30 percent support among party members and sympathizers.
But sources said Haruna is ready to offload his support to Vice President Opoku-Agyemang in an exchange for the running mate slot. Both enjoy the support of Churchstreet, the NDC power base in Labone where the legendary Fante Confederacy operates.
Party Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah follows with 24 percent, while Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson commands 18 percent. Other figures such as Julius Debrah (10 percent), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (8 percent), Eric Opoku, Joshua Alabi, Armah-Kofi Buah, and Kwame Awuah-Darko, each with 2 percent, trail far behind.
Haruna’s strongest base appears to be in the country’s swing regions, where his support surges to 48 percent—nearly double that of his closest rivals.
Analysts believe this positions him as a formidable candidate against the New Patriotic Party (NPP), particularly if former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia leads the party into the 2028 polls.
However, the race remains fluid. Should Haruna opt not to contest, the poll suggests a tight battle between Asiedu Nketiah and Ato Forson, who would command 40 percent and 38 percent support respectively.
Interestingly, Ato Forson’s appeal is strongest in swing constituencies, where he overtakes the party chairman with 47 percent compared to 38 percent.
These findings underscore the generational and ideological divides shaping the NDC’s future.
While seasoned strategists like Asiedu Nketiah still command strong loyalty, younger technocrats such as Ato Forson are increasingly winning ground.
