NDC May Win Next Election but Lose Significant Votes Over Free Speech Concerns – Martin Kpebu

According to a report by TV3GH on the 24th of October 2026, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has predicted that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) could retain political power in Ghana’s next general election but suffer a substantial reduction in votes due to growing concerns about freedom of expression.

Kpebu believes that the government’s handling of individuals who make critical public statements could undermine the popularity of President John Dramani Mahama and weaken the party’s electoral appeal.

Speaking during TV3’s The Key Points programme on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the lawyer argued that Ghanaians place considerable importance on their constitutional right to express opinions without intimidation.

He suggested that arrests linked to comments about the government could create resentment among sections of the population.

According to him, political leaders risk losing public goodwill when citizens believe their freedom of speech is being restricted.

Kpebu therefore urged greater tolerance of public criticism, stressing the importance of allowing citizens to express their views.

While expressing concerns about the government’s approach, he remained optimistic about the NDC’s chances of winning the next election.

“They will win, but the votes will drop drastically,” he stated.

His prediction came as the NDC prepared for its 2026 National Executive Elections, which are expected to shape the party’s leadership structure ahead of future political contests.

The party recently announced the closure of nominations for the elections, with 137 prospective aspirants obtaining nomination forms to contest 14 national executive positions.

According to a statement signed by the spokesperson for the Congress Elections Committee, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, nominations officially closed on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Prospective candidates have been given 14 days to complete their nomination forms, pay the required filing fees and obtain the necessary endorsements.

The submission of completed forms is scheduled for November 7 to 9, 2026, at the party’s headquarters in Adabraka, Accra.

Meanwhile, NDC communications team member Hamza Suhuyini has acknowledged that the party will miss the experience and institutional knowledge of its current National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who is not seeking reelection.

Suhuyini, however, expressed confidence that the party would work towards filling the leadership vacuum.

Against this background, Kpebu’s warning introduces another dimension to discussions about the NDC’s political future.

His comments suggest that winning elections may depend not only on party organisation and leadership but also on how the government responds to criticism and protects democratic freedoms.

Whether his prediction of declining electoral support materialises will ultimately depend on voter sentiment and developments before the next general election.

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