The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has defended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, over concerns that his ongoing nationwide “Thank You Tour” may be linked to internal flagbearership ambitions.
According to him, the tour is purely a post-election engagement exercise aimed at appreciating grassroots supporters and strengthening party unity, rather than promoting any individual political ambition.
Responding to concerns that the initiative could be a subtle campaign for higher office, he questioned the basis of such claims.
“I think the question you should ask the people is whether the chairman is going round claiming to be a flag bearer?” he said.
Mr Dafeamekpor explained that the tour, which began around April 2025, was initiated after discussions within the party about the need to reconnect leadership with grassroots structures following government appointments and regional activities.
He said concerns were raised at a National Executive Committee meeting that party leadership had not adequately engaged constituencies after the elections, creating a gap between national leadership and supporters.
According to him, the tour is intended to address that gap by expressing gratitude to party members, traditional leaders, and stakeholders who contributed to the party’s electoral success.
His comments come amid growing political debate over internal activities within the NDC, with some critics suggesting that early post-election mobilisations could signal positioning for future leadership contests.
However, Dafeamekpor dismissed such interpretations, insisting that similar constituency engagements have historically been part of the party’s post-election routine, even when in opposition.
He cited past visits by Asiedu Nketiah to constituencies such as Kpeve, Peki, Tongo, and the Dzemeni market, where he engaged directly with supporters and encouraged party cohesion.
“He went to tell the people that we had won elections, but we were cheated, so they should keep faith with us,” he recalled.
He maintained that the current tour is consistent with that tradition and should not be misinterpreted as an internal campaign strategy.
