The call from sections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) grassroots for Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, to enter the party’s presidential race is gaining momentum as the party looks ahead to the 2028 elections.
Information gathered from party members across several constituencies indicates growing calls from young and old activists, branch executives, women organisers and youth leaders for the veteran legislator to consider joining the contest when nominations are officially opened.
The supporters believe Mr. Bagbin’s long political career, experience in governance and reputation for standing firmly on principles make him a strong candidate to continue what they describe as the “reset agenda” of the NDC.
According to them, the reset should go beyond political slogans to deliver an honest and accountable government, strengthen the rule of law, create jobs, promote industrialisation and agriculture, expand youth empowerment and improve opportunities for the girl-child.
They also cite infrastructure development, discipline in public life and inclusive leadership as critical areas requiring sustained attention under the next NDC administration.
For the grassroots supporters, Mr. Bagbin’s credentials are difficult to overlook.
Having represented the Nadowli-Kaleo constituency in Parliament for 28 years, he became the longest-serving Member of Parliament in Ghana’s Fourth Republic before eventually rising to occupy the Speaker’s Chair.
His supporters describe him as a politician with deep grassroots connections and a reputation for combining firmness with humility and principle with tolerance.
They point to his long service in Parliament as evidence of his experience in lawmaking, governance and democratic development, arguing that such experience would be valuable in leading the country.
Beyond politics, the supporters also highlight his interest in agriculture, sports and community development.
His advocacy of sports as a tool for national unity and democratic engagement, particularly through the Democracy Cup initiative, is cited as an example of his efforts to use non-partisan platforms to bring Ghanaians together.
The grassroots campaigners also associate him with social justice and inclusion, including his advocacy for persons with disabilities, while pointing to his commitment to traditional values and Christian principles.
From his beginnings in Nadowli-Kaleo to the highest levels of Ghana’s Legislature, Mr. Bagbin has spent decades in public service.
Now, with the 2028 political contest gradually entering public discussion, some NDC members believe the time may have come for him to make another major decision.
Their message is becoming increasingly direct: resign from the Speakership when appropriate and offer himself for the NDC presidential contest when nominations are opened.
Whether Mr. Bagbin will heed the call remains uncertain.
For now, there is no official declaration from him indicating that he intends to contest the NDC presidential nomination.
But one thing appears clear—the grassroots are watching, and the question being increasingly asked within sections of the party is simple:
Is Alban Bagbin coming?
