'President Mahama cannot decide alone not to go for 3rd term; NDC made him' – Mustapha Gbande

The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has stated that President John Dramani Mahama has never publicly indicated that he is not interested in pursuing a third term in office, arguing that such a decision would ultimately involve consultation with the party.

Speaking on Joy Prime’s morning show on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Mr Gbande challenged claims that the President had already ruled out another presidential run, insisting that no such announcement had been made.

"Where did Mahama say he is not interested in a third term?" he asked.

He explained that President Mahama’s political career has always been guided by the NDC, stressing that the party plays a central role in determining its leadership direction.

"The President didn't make himself; the party made him," he said.

According to Mr Gbande, although President Mahama is the leader of the NDC, major political decisions are reached through discussions between him and the party structures.

"We control Mahama. He's our leader; he's the leader of the party. What the party says, plus what he thinks, is what takes place," he stated.

The comments are likely to revive discussions about the possibility of President Mahama seeking another term, amid ongoing debate about the constitutional and political considerations surrounding such a move.

While speculation about his future political plans has continued, President Mahama has not made any formal declaration of an intention to contest for another term.

Mr Gbande’s remarks reflect the NDC’s position that key political decisions are made through consultation between the party and its leadership rather than by the President acting independently.