Ministers Fighting Deputies, Calls for Reshuffle and More: Gbande Details Friction in the NDC

Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has raised concerns about internal tensions within the governing party, warning that divisions among members could undermine its political fortunes ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Mr Gbande has acknowledged strained relations between the party and government, as well as disagreements over appointments and the performance of some government appointees.

In May 2026, he admitted that some ministers needed to be reshuffled but cautioned that carrying out the exercise without addressing existing divisions could deepen tensions within the party.

“Some Ministers must be reshuffled. As a Deputy General Secretary, that is what I believe,” he stated.

He explained that the challenge went beyond replacing ministers, arguing that factional alignments and perceptions of favouritism could influence how any reshuffle was interpreted by party members.

“Our problem has gone beyond reshuffle. Who are you going to change? Because if we are not together, if you reshuffle someone, they’ll say it’s because you don’t like the person,” he said.

Mr Gbande called for consensus-building and greater unity among party members before major decisions were taken, warning that disagreements over appointments could further divide the party.

He has also cautioned that the NDC’s biggest threat ahead of the 2028 elections may come from within rather than from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on October 5, 2026, he stressed that how the party manages power, relationships and internal structures would be critical to its future electoral performance.

He urged members to avoid undermining one another and creating parallel structures that could weaken the party at the grassroots.

Mr Gbande’s comments highlight the internal cohesion challenges facing the NDC as it balances the demands of governing with the expectations of party faithful.

His remarks suggest that strengthening internal relationships and addressing grievances will be important as the party prepares for the next general election.