The spokesperson for the Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Asawase, Hon Muntaka Mubarak, has issued a sharp public rebuke against the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, warning that recent public comments risk fracturing party cohesion following its 2024 electoral victory.
Nasir Gardenboi, speaking on behalf of Mubarak, labelled Asiedu Nketiah’s recent assertions regarding the 2023 parliamentary leadership reshuffle as “unfortunate and unnecessary.”
The dispute stems from remarks made by the National Chairman during a thank-you tour in Tamale South, where he reportedly credited the controversial ouster of the previous Minority Leadership as the primary driver behind the NDC and President John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 election win.
“Political frustration should never become a basis for rewriting history or unfairly attacking colleagues in pursuit of power,” Gardenboi stated, emphasising that the party’s electoral triumph was the result of collective nationwide sacrifice and strategic planning rather than a singular structural change.
The 2023 reshuffle, which replaced prominent Northern and Muslim leaders—including former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu and Mubarak as Minority Chief Whip—initially triggered intense internal friction.
Gardenboi cautioned that the Chairman’s retrospective framing risks reopening those sensitive wounds and alienating key party demographics.
According to the spokesperson, a growing perception exists among party faithful that senior Northern and Muslim leaders are being unfairly targeted for political convenience.
Gardenboi reminded leadership that these communities remain a vital pillar of the NDC’s foundational strength and loyalty.
The statement also defended the enduring legacy of the previous parliamentary leadership, pointing specifically to the historic events of 7th January 2021, when strategic manoeuvring by the caucus secured the election of Alban Bagbin as Speaker of the 8th Parliament.
Despite the friction, Gardenboi affirmed that both Mubarak and Haruna Iddrisu, who now serves as Minister for Education under the Mahama administration, remain fully committed to their national duties.
He, therefore, urged the National Chairman to adopt an approach rooted in respect, fairness, and political maturity to protect the future of the party.