Asiedu Nketia Leads NDC Race as Ato Forson Gains Momentum – Poll
Tightening race emerges as Ato Forson gains ground on Asiedu Nketia in NDC flagbearer contest
- Asiedu Nketia leads with 29%, but Ato Forson has narrowed the gap significantly to 10 points.
- Nearly 24% of delegates remain undecided, leaving the race wide open.
- Poll shows delegates prioritize performance and leadership over age or gender.
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, remains in the lead in the party’s emerging presidential flagbearer race, securing 29% support among delegates in a new tracking poll.
However, his lead is being increasingly challenged by Ato Forson, whose support has risen sharply, reducing what was previously a 16-point gap to just 10 points within a span of two weeks.
The poll, conducted by Global InfoAnalytics between March 31 and April 9, surveyed nearly 10,400 delegates across all 16 regions via telephone interviews. It is the first major public assessment of delegate sentiment since the race to succeed John Mahama began to take shape.
Current Standings
In the latest poll:
- Asiedu Nketia leads with 29%
- Ato Forson follows with 19%
- Haruna Iddrisu holds 11%
- Julius Debrah and Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang are tied at 8% each
- Other candidates account for 1%, while 24% of delegates remain undecided
In the previous poll conducted a week earlier, Nketia led Forson by 28% to 12%, highlighting a significant surge in support for the Finance Minister.
Rising Pressure on the Leader
Despite embarking on a nationwide “thank you” tour, Asiedu Nketia has not significantly expanded his support base. Poll analysts noted that while most candidates recorded gains, the party chairman’s numbers have remained relatively stable.
Forson’s rise is particularly notable given that he has not officially declared his candidacy. Observers interpret his 19% support as a strong indication of growing grassroots appeal.
Head-to-Head and Regional Trends
In a direct matchup, Asiedu Nketia leads Forson narrowly by 37% to 32%, reflecting a tightening race.
Regionally, dynamics vary:
- Haruna Iddrisu dominates the Northern Region with 35%, while Nketia trails there at 26%
- In key swing regions—Greater Accra, Central, Eastern, and Western—Nketia and Forson are tied at 28%, suggesting a highly competitive contest in politically diverse areas.
Race Still Open
With nearly a quarter of delegates still undecided, the race remains fluid and could shift significantly in the coming weeks.
The poll also highlights what delegates value most in a candidate:
- 74% prioritize performance
- 53% seek visionary leadership
- 35% value government experience
Only a small proportion consider factors such as youth (8%) or gender (1%), indicating a strong focus on competence and track record.
