NPP Backlash Fuels Asiedu Nketia’s Ambition, But Ato Forson Holds Key to Victory

A recent tracking poll by Global InfoAnalytics has revealed that New Patriotic Party (NPP) voters are driving National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia's strong showing in the party's presidential candidate race. The poll, which was released on July 27, showed that Asiedu Nketia and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson are statistically tied in the race to become the NDC's presidential candidate.

NPP Voters Propel Asiedu Nketia's Ambition

According to the survey, Asiedu Nketia's lead has been propelled by his level of support among NPP voters. Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, explained that when the data is divided according to party affiliation, it reveals a different picture. "What you also see is that when you divide this data according to party affiliation, you realise that Asiedu Nketia's lead has been propelled by his level of support among NPP voters," he said.

Dr. Ato Forson Holds Key to Victory

While Asiedu Nketia enjoys a marginal lead in the headline figures, the difference falls within the survey's margin of error and therefore cannot be interpreted as a clear advantage. However, Dr. Ato Forson continues to enjoy a significant advantage among floating voters. Mussa Dankwah noted that among the floating voters, Ato Forson has a big advantage. "Among the floating voters, Ato Forson has a big advantage," he said.

Ato Forson's Uncertainty May be Causing Potential Supporters to Hold Back

Dr. Ato Forson has yet to publicly indicate whether he intends to contest the NDC flagbearer position. Mussa Dankwah suggested that uncertainty surrounding the Finance Minister's intentions may be causing some potential supporters to hold back. "Some people are just holding back because they're not quite sure he's going to contest," he said. He added that if Dr. Ato Forson does speak, it could fundamentally change the race.

The Poll's Implications for the NDC's 2028 Presidential Election

The survey's findings suggest that Dr. Ato Forson remains the NDC's strongest potential candidate in a hypothetical 2028 presidential election. According to Mussa Dankwah, the Finance Minister performs better than Asiedu Nketia among floating voters and also attracts comparatively stronger support from some NPP supporters, giving him broader appeal in a national contest. While the race within the NDC appears increasingly competitive, Dr. Ato Forson's performance among floating voters and NPP supporters makes him a key player in the party's presidential candidate race.

The Next Steps for Asiedu Nketia and Ato Forson

As the NDC's presidential candidate race heats up, both Asiedu Nketia and Dr. Ato Forson will need to continue to build support among party members and floating voters. Dr. Ato Forson's decision to contest the flagbearer position remains uncertain, but his performance in the poll suggests that he is a strong contender. Meanwhile, Asiedu Nketia's strong showing among NPP voters will likely raise questions about the party's chances in a national election. The outcome of the NDC's presidential candidate race will have significant implications for the party's chances in the 2028 presidential election.

Source: Joy Online