The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially revoked the membership of Umar Sanda Mohammed after he announced his intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election scheduled for March 3, 2026.
In a statement from the party, NDC Chairman Asiedu Nketia explained that Sanda’s decision to contest the seat outside of the party structure meant he had automatically forfeited his membership. The decision follows the NDC’s constitutional rules which state that members who oppose the official party candidate by running independently lose their party affiliation.
“We consider you still our brother, but you are no longer part of the NDC,” Asiedu Nketia told Umar Sanda, underscoring that the party values him personally but cannot retain him as a member under the circumstances.
According to the letter addressed to Sanda, the party also barred him from using any NDC symbols, name, logo, colours, or other intellectual property in his campaign. The NDC emphasised that its decision was rooted in maintaining internal unity and adherence to party rules ahead of the contentious by-election.
Sanda’s independent candidacy has stirred debate among political supporters in Accra, with some viewing his decision as a bold move while others argue it undermines the party’s strategy to reclaim the Ayawaso East seat. The party’s position reflects long-standing organisational discipline aimed at ensuring all candidates align with agreed-upon candidates and policies.
