NDC would appoint General Secretary as EC Chair if it had power — Mahdi Gibril

The Acting Director of Elections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahdi Gibril, has declared that if his party had the power, it would appoint its General Secretary as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) and its National Organizer as his deputy.

His remarks come amid public debate over the appointment of Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission.

Speaking on GhanAkoma, hosted by Sir John on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Mr. Gibril questioned the legal basis for concerns surrounding Ms. Agbenyo’s appointment and challenged critics to identify the specific law they believe the government had violated.

“If we in the NDC had the power, we would wish to have our General Secretary appointed as the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission and our National Organizer as his deputy,” he said.

Mr. Gibril’s comments highlighted what he described as the NDC’s longstanding mistrust of Electoral Commission officials.

“The NDC does not and will never trust Electoral Commissioners,” he stated.

Addressing concerns about Ms. Agbenyo’s alleged political affiliation, the NDC elections chief questioned whether her appointment could be considered unlawful simply because of such claims.

“Will Emelia Agbenyo be working from the NDC headquarters? If not, which specific law has the government violated in appointing her?” he asked.

Mr. Gibril’s remarks come as the appointments of the two deputy chairpersons draw scrutiny from political actors, particularly over questions of political affiliation and the EC’s perceived independence. The debate has renewed calls for public confidence in the Commission and its ability to discharge its constitutional responsibilities impartially.

The two officials were sworn into office by President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, October 12, 2026, following the resignation of Dr. Bossman Eric Asare and the retirement of Samuel Tettey.