The Deputy Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rashid Tanko Computer has dismissed pressure from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), insisting that demonstrations and criticism from the opposition will not distract his party from its governing agenda entirely.
Mr Computer characterised the NPP’s conduct as “a familiar opposition tactic” alleging that the party seeks to create an impression of national instability whenever an election approaches.
“We are not perturbed at all by the antics of NPP As a party, we are focused. I mean the reset agenda is still going. The president is on top of issue.”
Rashid Tanko Computer
Mr Computer expressed confidence in the President’s leadership, claiming that the support President John Dramani Mahama receives across the country and the reception accorded him during overseas engagements demonstrate public confidence in his administration. He characterised the President as “a father to the nation” while insisting that the NDC continues to back his leadership.
Turning to the opposition, the Deputy Director traced the NPP’s political lineage through earlier political formations, including the Progress Party and the Popular Party, before its current formation. He alleged that, “they will only change their names, but they don’t change their character and behavior,” recalling the party’s earlier political incarnations and its relationship with the NDC since the early 1990s.
In his assessment, the NPP’s demonstrations and public criticism are intended to generate public anxiety and portray the country as unstable, particularly as the next election draws closer.
Mr Computer stressed that citizens should make use of available public systems when they require assistance rather than resorting to demonstrations without first engaging the relevant institutions. He further noted that public grievances, including health-related incidents, should be addressed through the appropriate channels.
On the prospect of an electoral threat from the opposition, Mr Computer asserted that the NDC currently sees no significant challenge from the NPP. He described the opposition as “the most disorganizing political party” and suggested that its internal difficulties would become more apparent as preparations for the 2028 polls intensify.
NDC Deploys Technology To Strengthen Internal Electoral Reorganisation
Meanwhile, the NDC’s internal reorganisation places renewed attention on delegate engagement, candidate credibility and the party’s use of technology.
Deputy Director of Elections And IT, Rashid Tanko Computer explained that the party’s internal electoral process has moved beyond nomination and vetting, leaving qualified candidates to persuade delegates.
Mr Computer indicated that candidates could still voluntarily withdraw from the race, although their names would remain on the ballot given the stage the process had reached. He therefore suggested that the outcome would largely depend on the candidates’ ability to win the support of delegates.
“We have crossed that stage now. For now, the candidates, we have crossed that stage. The stage of filing nominations and then vetting, that’s where such issue could come in.”
Rashid Tanko Computer
The Deputy Director explained that the NDC’s regional elections operate through a delegate system, not a general vote involving the entire party membership. He noted that candidates must make their case personally to their respective delegates in every constituency.
Mr Computer also identified competence, accessibility and openness as more consequential considerations than the distribution of money or material inducements. He recounted observing constituency elections in which candidates with considerable resources failed to secure victory, demonstrating that financial capacity alone could not guarantee delegates’ support.
“We have a specific group to engage, so leave the general public out of this. Focus on your delegates, the party delegates, and see how things go from there.”
Rashid Tanko Computer
He acknowledged, however, that campaign resources remain necessary for transportation and outreach, particularly in geographically extensive constituencies. He distinguished those legitimate logistical expenses from attempts to influence votes through gifts or cash, which he believes should have little bearing on the selection of party leaders.
In addition to the delegate process, Mr Computer highlighted the NDC’s deployment of information technology throughout its internal reorganisation. He explained that the party used digital systems from branch-level elections through constituency and national processes to minimise excessive human intervention in the compilation of delegate lists and albums.
According to him, the technology-driven process has operated without the problems that could otherwise arise from disputes over electoral registers. He also indicated that the party is developing another system ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The Deputy Director of Elections and IT believes the party’s electoral machinery will be strengthened by transparent delegate engagement, credible candidates and systems designed to reduce human interference.
