Abdul Karim Babana Abubakari, a board member of the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), has joined the race for the position of Northern Regional Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He officially declared his bid on Friday, September 25, 2026, in the Northern Region, where he outlined his vision for the youth wing of the party. Abdul Karim promises honest and accountable leadership to the NDC youth in the Northern Region if given the opportunity to serve.
During his declaration speech, Abdul Karim promised to provide honest and accountable leadership to the NDC youth in the Northern Region. He said his decision was driven by a desire to introduce a leadership approach centred on service, honesty and accountability. “It’s with great pleasure I stand before you today. This is a historic day and I thank you all for making time to be with me in making history together,” he said.
Abdul Karim described himself as a son of the region who had witnessed some of the challenges facing young people and said he wanted to contribute to addressing them. “I am Abdul Karim Babana Abubakari, a son of this land, a result of your aspirations, and an observer of your hardships,” he said. He also said he would be honest with the youth, including when faced with difficult issues.
The SLTF board member said some young people had become tired of political rhetoric and promises made during election campaigns. He said his approach would focus more on service and action rather than simply having a loud voice or making grand promises. “A new standard is required. A standard that emphasises service in every small space we find ourselves in rather than ‘countenance’ or having the loudest voice,” he said.
On accountability, Abdul Karim said the NDC should be answerable to its youth, while young members should also play a role in holding party leaders accountable. He argued that accountability should be a continuous process throughout a person's tenure in leadership rather than something that happens only during election periods. “The party must answer to the youth and the youth must hold the party accountable,” he said.
Abdul Karim is an alumnus of Tamale Technical University and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He is currently pursuing an LLB at Kaff University and an MPhil in Media and Digital Communication at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). He asked party members and supporters for their prayers, trust and support as he seeks to become the next Northern Regional Youth Organiser.
The NDC has scheduled its Regional Youth and Women Conference for Friday, November 13, 2026, ahead of the regional executive elections on Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, 2026. The party's published timetable indicates that nominations for regional executive positions will open on Tuesday, October 6, and close on Wednesday, October 7.
Key points
- Abdul Karim Abubakari, a Student Loan Trust Fund board member, has declared his bid for the NDC Northern Regional Youth Organiser position.
- Abdul Karim promises honest and accountable leadership to the NDC youth in the Northern Region if given the opportunity to serve.
- The NDC internal elections are part of its reorganisation process and will cover executive positions at constituency, regional and national levels.
