Nii Lantey Vanderpuye signals NDC chairmanship bid if Asiedu Nketia steps down
The National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme, DRIP, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, says he is ready to contest for the National Chairmanship of the governing National Democratic Congress, NDC, if current chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia does not seek another term.
Speaking on Citi FM Thursday, June 11, 2026, the former Youth and Sports Minister made it clear he will not challenge Mr. Asiedu Nketia out of respect for their long relationship. But he confirmed his readiness to enter the race should the position become vacant. “I Won’t Challenge Him Out Of Respect”
Mr Vanderpuye described the NDC chairman as a senior figure he holds in high regard. The DRIP boss said loyalty and respect for party structures will guide his decision.
“If he [Johnson Asiedu Nketia] is not contesting, I’m ready to offer myself,” he stated. “This party has given me so much. I want to give back to the party.”
He added that he would step down from his current role as DRIP National Coordinator if he decides to contest the chairmanship position.
Pointing to his extensive history within the NDC, Mr Vanderpuye said his suitability for the role comes from years of service since the party’s formation in 1992.
He recounted serving as a ward secretary while working at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation during the NDC’s establishment. Since then, he has held multiple roles, including parliamentary aspirant, deputy minister, cabinet minister and campaign official.
According to him, that political journey has equipped him with the experience needed to provide leadership at the highest level of the party. He stressed that his years of commitment have prepared him for the challenge of leading party affairs.
As National Coordinator of DRIP, Mr Vanderpuye currently oversees the government’s district road rehabilitation programme across Ghana. He said any chairmanship bid would mean leaving that position.
His comments come as discussions around NDC internal elections and leadership succession gather momentum ahead of the future party congress. Whether Mr Asiedu Nketia runs again remains unclear, but Mr Vanderpuye’s declaration sets the stage for a potential contest.
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