Abass Fuseini Sbaabe, former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Fanteakwa North in the Eastern Region, has urged all aspiring presidential candidates of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to conduct their campaigns with decorum and respect for party unity.
He reminded aspirants that internal contests are not new. “If you think the battle to succeed John Dramani Mahama will start only when nominations officially open, think again,” he noted.
According to him, “the struggle began the moment defeat was conceded, and ambitions have quietly been repositioning ever since.”
The former District Chief Executive (DCE) of Fanteakwa continued that, “succession contests are not for the politically naïve. They will test judgment, discipline and loyalty to the party – values that must come before personal ambition”.
Speaking with The Chronicle, Mr. Sbaabe recalled how the endorsement of Professor John Evans Atta Mills by the late Flt.-Lt. Jerry John Rawlings provided direction for the NDC, shaping its future for over a decade.
He indicated that similarly, when the late John Evan Atta Mills chose John Mahama as his running mate, it set the stage for the latter’s eventual rise to the presidency after Mills’ sudden passing in 2012.
“These episodes remind us,” he said, “that internal choices carry consequences far beyond the conventions where they are made.”
The Road to 2028
Looking ahead, he emphasised that no heir-apparent is emerging this time, making the process both promising and perilous.
Senior party members, including Dr. Tony Aidoo, have already warned of the potential fallout if the contest turns divisive.
“This is not about instilling fear,” Sbaabe stressed. “It is a call for readiness. Those of us who have seen bitter internal battles know the damage they can cause not just to careers, but to friendships, relationships and party unity.”
He cautioned against the rise of toxic rhetoric, social media insults and personal grudges, which he said only weaken the NDC and strengthen opponents.
A Call to Action
“Before we speak, post or share, we must ask ourselves: Will this help the NDC win in 2028? Is it true? Is it fair? If not, let’s remain silent,” he advised.
Making a personal pledge, he said: “I will campaign for my preferred candidate, but I will not destroy another comrade to do so. We can argue passionately, but never maliciously.”
He concluded with a rallying call, “We can contest fiercely and still remain one family. We can disagree yet remain united.
“That is the maturity Ghanaians expect from us in 2028. Let us keep this contest decent for victory, for comradeship, and for the greater good of the NDC.”
