A recent poll by Global InfoAnalytics has shed light on the intensifying competition among key figures of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) vying to succeed President John Dramani Mahama as flagbearer.

Speaking in an interview with Blessed Sogah on Joy Prime's 'Prime Insight' on Saturday, September 21, Mussa Dankwah, the Executive Director and Head of Research at Global InfoAnalytics, revealed that the race is extremely close, with multiple candidates gaining significant support.

According to the most recent data from a July poll, Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South and Education Minister, leads the pack with a support rating of 27%.

He is closely followed by the NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who is at 26%.

The current Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, occupies the third position with 22%.

Mr Dankwah’s findings indicate a fluid and dynamic succession contest, which he described as "quite strange" given the absence of a declared contest.

The poll results paint a picture of a party with several strong personalities and factions. The data is as follows:

• Haruna Iddrisu: 27%
• Johnson Asiedu Nketiah: 26%
• Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson: 22%
• Julius Debrah: 11%
• Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa: 8%

The data shows a significant gap between the top three candidates and the others, suggesting that the "jostling" for the flagbearer position is becoming more pronounced.

Mr Dankwah confirmed that the poll was conducted to gauge the popularity of key figures within the party.

He mentioned that if the current Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who is an unconfirmed candidate, were to contest, her name would be included in future polls.

The findings come amidst a period of political manoeuvring within the NDC, with several high-ranking members embarking on "Thank You Tours" and "Health Walks," which are widely interpreted as early campaign activities.

These events are often seen as a way for potential candidates to connect with the party's grassroots base and build momentum ahead of any official contest.

The NDC's constitution requires a flagbearer to be elected by delegates ahead of a general election.

The last flagbearer race saw John Dramani Mahama secure a resounding victory, but the race for his successor, whenever it occurs, appears to be shaping up as a more competitive affair.