Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah, has stated that any endorsement by President John Dramani Mahama in the race to choose the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) 2028 flagbearer could have unpredictable consequences for the party—potentially uniting or dividing its base.

Speaking in the context of a new poll that shows Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu leading the pack of potential successors on Citi FM’s The Big Issue on Saturday October 4, Dankwah stressed that while presidential backing is influential, it is not without risk.

“It could have consequences both plus and negatives and I think we shouldn’t think that we can hoodwink any group of people to go a certain direction. It could have impact that could be negative or positive.”

“There are those who will be happy that he has given an endorsement to somebody and there are those who will feel that the party will be torn apart if he does that,” he stated.

Dankwah cited Kenya’s recent political history as a cautionary example. “Remember in Kenya, Kenyatta went against Ruto. He went to endorse a candidate, he went but the party didn’t go with him, let that be a lesson.”

The recent Global InfoAnalytics poll ranked Haruna Iddrisu as the frontrunner to lead the NDC into the 2028 elections with 30% support. He is followed by NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia at 24%, and Finance Minister Ato Forson at 18%. Other contenders, including Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and Okudzeto Ablakwa, trail further behind.

Haruna’s popularity rises further in alternative matchups, especially in key swing regions where his appeal hits 48%. However, without him in the race, the competition becomes extremely close between Asiedu Nketia and Ato Forson—suggesting a potentially divisive race if not carefully managed.