The race for national executive positions of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is heating up as the party closes nominations for aspirants today.

In a surprising turn of events, the slot for General Secretary, currently held by Johnson Asiedu Nketia and expected to go uncontested, finally has a contender.

Issak Farouk, a branch secretary at Obuasi, has stepped up to the plate and hopes to snatch the spot from under the feet of "General Mosquito".

The party opened nominations last week after a case against the party by member Linus Njonola was withdrawn from court.          

This election is one of the most crucial for the governing NDC. Political pundits say despite winning the two previous elections, the party will struggle to win the 2016 presidential elections in the wake of poor fiscal management of the economy and corruption scandals.

Joy News’ Kwakye Afreh-Nuamah, who is monitoring events as aspirants file their nominations, reports that scores of supporters of the various aspirants have gathered at the headquarters from as early as 6am and that the entire party office is covered with aspirants’ posters and banners.

The filing process began yesterday and some aspirants, including Dr. Kwabena Adjei who is seeking re-election as National chairman have already submitted their completed nomination forms.

Dr. Adjei, who faces stiff competition for the Chairmanship position, has been fiercely criticised by his contenders for neglecting the party’s grassroots. He has rejected these claims and is considered hard to beat.

Former Trade Minister, Dan Abodokpe and former General Secretary, Alhaji Hudu Yahya who are contesting Dr. Adjei’s spot, also submitted their forms yesterday.

Kwakye reports that the final Chairman Aspirant, NADMO boss, Kofi Portuphy showed up to submit his forms today with a posse.

Dubbed “Team Portuphy”, the group includes Harry Zarkour who is contesting for the vice-chairmanship position, George Lawson, a Deputy General Secretary seeking re-election, and Kofi Adams, who is vying for National Organiser.

Kofi Adams who has the support of Former President Rawlings and is seen as a main force to contend with, has challenged the competence of incumbent Yaw Boateng Gyan, who in turn describes Adams as an indecisive person.

Deputy General Secretary position has two slots. Incumbent George Lawson, Former Communications Director at the presidency, Koku Anyidoho, and ex Adenta MP, Kojo Adu- Asare are battling it out to pick the slots.

In another surprising twist, current National Women’s Organiser, Anita Desozo has confirmed she will be filing forms to contest as a Vice Chair. This comes after her earlier revelation that she would not contest for the Women’s Organiser slot.