NDC distances itself from Anyidoho as party tensions simmer ahead of internal elections

The National Democratic Congress has officially severed ties with Koku Anyidoho, according to Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande, amid escalating tensions within Ghana's largest opposition party. Gbande's declaration comes as the NDC prepares for internal elections and navigates questions about the former deputy general secretary's continued influence on party affairs.

Speaking on Eyewitness News, Gbande stated plainly that Anyidoho's membership status is void because he no longer holds active membership in the party. The remarks were triggered after Anyidoho publicly insisted he remained an NDC member despite earlier dismissal from the organisation, raising questions about the clarity of his standing and the finality of his removal.

The allegations and the backlash

Gbande went further, alleging that Anyidoho has transitioned into a consultant role for New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, describing him as a "spiritual consultant" to the former Vice President. When pressed for evidence to substantiate these claims, Gbande maintained conviction in the allegation but declined to offer concrete proof, a response that underscores the heated, often unverified nature of contemporary Ghanaian political discourse.

The tension also extends to Anyidoho's recent commentary on NDC internal matters. Gbande questioned Anyidoho's authority to weigh in on procedural issues such as nomination form sales, arguing that individuals without party membership forfeit the right to shape party decisions. "When you are no longer a member of the party, you cannot determine how the party conducts its elections," Gbande stated, drawing a clear boundary around party governance.

Why it matters for Ghana

This public spat reflects deeper fractures within the NDC as it prepares for internal elections and positions itself as a credible alternative to the ruling NPP. Koku Anyidoho, known for his outspoken advocacy and occasional controversial statements, has been a visible figure in NDC circles for years. His ejection from formal party structures, whether voluntary or forced, signals either a strategic recalibration by NDC leadership or an unresolved dispute over membership terms.

For Ghana's broader political landscape, the incident highlights how opposition parties manage dissent and membership discipline. Clear rules and transparent processes for party membership—particularly the removal or reinstatement of prominent figures—are essential for organisational credibility. Public disputes over whether someone is "in" or "out" of a party, especially when leaders disagree on the facts, can erode public confidence in institutional integrity.

Furthermore, if Anyidoho is indeed advising the NPP, as Gbande claims, it raises questions about cross-party talent flows and whether former NDC figures are strengthening rival organisations. Such movements, whilst legally permissible, can be politically sensitive and affect voter perceptions of party unity and consistency.

What comes next

The NDC's internal election process will likely remain a focal point of scrutiny as the party seeks to project cohesion and readiness to challenge the NPP. Disputes such as this one, played out in the media rather than resolved internally, test the party's organisational maturity. Clear communication on membership status and party rules would help defuse such tensions and prevent continued public back-and-forth that can distract from core messaging.

Anyidoho has not yet responded to Gbande's latest claims, but given his track record of defending his position publicly, a rebuttal is likely. How the NDC responds to further commentary from Anyidoho will signal whether the party intends to ignore him or engage further, each approach carrying different implications for party unity.