# Lesufi Rejects ANC Presidential Bid Ahead of 2027 Conference Gauteng Premier urges party focus on renewal rather than premature leadership succession campaigns. - **Source:** [IOL News](https://www.iol.co.za/news) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e2473455-9bd6-411c-a4a5-c667bf8b89d2 ## Public Rejection of Campaign Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has officially distanced himself from a campaign promoting his candidacy for the ANC presidency in 2027. A poster featuring the slogan PL27 began circulating on social media, prompting Lesufi to demand its immediate removal. He explicitly stated he is neither available nor interested in the leadership position. ## Focus on Party Renewal Lesufi emphasized that the African National Congress must prioritize organizational renewal and unity over factional leadership battles. He urged those behind the campaign to stop premature efforts, arguing that such activities distract from the movement's core responsibilities. His stance remains consistent with previous public warnings regarding early succession discussions within the party. ## Consistent Stance on Succession This rejection aligns with Lesufi's earlier remarks made during the ANC's 114th anniversary celebrations in Soweto. He previously cautioned members against whispering about the 2027 elective conference, insisting that President Cyril Ramaphosa should be allowed to complete his term. Lesufi maintains that the current agenda does not include leadership contestation or internal factions. ## NEC Prohibition of Campaigning The ANC's National Executive Committee has previously issued formal warnings against premature leadership campaigning ahead of the 2027 conference. The party leadership stated that members defying these resolutions could face disciplinary action. This policy aims to curb early factionalism, similar to previous controversies involving other figures like businessman Patrice Motsepe. ## Electoral Context and Pressure The internal pressure follows the ANC's poor performance in the November 2026 Local Government Elections. The party secured only 30.81% of the national vote, marking its worst result since 1994. In Gauteng specifically, support plummeted to 21.57%, leaving the party without an outright majority in any of the eight metropolitan municipalities. ## Governance and Voter Confidence The significant decline in electoral support has intensified the need for the ANC to rebuild voter confidence and address governance challenges. With no outright majority in major metros, the party faces a critical period of instability. Lesufi’s call for unity is framed as a necessary step to stabilize the organization's future. ## The 2027 Elective Conference The ANC is scheduled to hold its 56th National Conference in December 2027 to elect new national leadership. This event serves as the primary mechanism for choosing the party's next president and office-bearers. Despite the official timeline, early campaigning has already begun to emerge, creating friction within the party's internal structures. ## Implications for Party Stability Lesufi's firm rejection of the presidential bid highlights the ongoing tension between factional interests and the necessity of organizational reform. As the party grapples with its lowest electoral support in decades, the ability to suppress premature leadership battles will be a key indicator of the ANC's capacity for genuine internal renewal. ## Sources covering this story - https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-11-11-lesufi-distances-himself-from-anc-presidential-campaign-ahead-of-2027-conference/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._