High Court Blocks Five NDC Members From Voting in North East Regional Elections

Five co-opted members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Nalerigu/Gambaga constituency have been prevented from casting votes in this Saturday's North East regional elections, following a High Court injunction granted by a court in Nalerigu.

What Happened

The court order, which came ahead of the keenly anticipated regional elections, specifically targets five individuals who had been co-opted into the NDC's constituency structures in Nalerigu/Gambaga. The injunction effectively strips them of the right to vote in Saturday's internal party polls, raising questions about the legitimacy of their membership status and the process through which they were brought into the party fold.

Co-opted members are individuals admitted into a party structure through a formal selection process rather than through direct election by the broader membership. Their inclusion in voter rolls for internal party elections has historically been a source of tension within political parties in Ghana, as it can influence outcomes in closely contested internal races.

Why It Matters for Ghana

Internal party democracy has become an increasingly scrutinised issue in Ghana's political landscape. When disputes over membership eligibility reach the courts, it signals both the seriousness with which party members take their internal processes and the growing willingness of Ghanaians to use legal avenues to resolve political disagreements.

The NDC, as one of Ghana's two dominant political parties, holds regional elections to determine leadership at various levels — a process that shapes who ultimately influences policy direction, candidate selection, and party strategy ahead of general elections. The North East Region, carved out of the former Northern Region in 2019, is still consolidating its political structures, making the integrity of these early internal elections particularly significant for the region's long-term democratic development.

A court ruling of this nature also sets a precedent: it demonstrates that the judiciary is prepared to intervene in intra-party affairs where there is a credible legal basis to do so, reinforcing the principle that party rules and eligibility criteria must be followed even within internal elections.

What Happens Next

With the injunction in place, Saturday's North East regional elections will proceed without the participation of the five affected members. It remains to be seen whether the ruling will be challenged, and whether the outcome of the elections could face further legal scrutiny depending on how competitive the results turn out to be.

The NDC has been navigating several internal processes following the 2024 general elections, and any perception of irregularities in regional elections could fuel broader tensions within the party. Party officials and supporters in the North East Region will be watching closely to ensure proceedings on Saturday are conducted transparently and in accordance with the party's constitution.

• A Nalerigu High Court has issued an injunction against five NDC co-opted members.
• The five affected members are barred from voting in Saturday's North East regional elections.
• The case highlights growing use of courts to resolve internal party disputes in Ghana.