By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Zuarungu (U/E), June 24, GNA-Mr Paul Afoko, former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and aspiring National Chairman, has called on members of the party to put aside their differences and unite to enable the party to recapture power in the 2028 elections.
He said the party’s declining electoral fortunes, from securing 169 parliamentary seats in 2016 to 137 and subsequently 87 seats in 2024, underscored the urgent need for reconciliation and renewed commitment among members.
Addressing NPP constituency executives and party delegates from the various constituencies in the Upper East Region at Zuarungu in the Bolgatanga East District as part of his campaign tour, Mr Afoko stressed that unity remained non-negotiable if the party was to return to government.
“We need to reunite this party. If we are not united, we will not return to power,” he stated.
Mr Afoko said internal divisions, bitterness, and persistent disagreements among party members had contributed significantly to the party’s recent electoral setbacks and urged members to forgive one another and focus on the collective goal of rebuilding the party rather than dwelling on past grievances.
“Please, don’t blame each other. Come together and think about what is ahead. That is the most important thing now for us,” he appealed.
Mr Afoko served as National Chairman of the NPP from 2014 until 2015, when he was indefinitely suspended following internal party disputes ahead of the 2016 elections.
The suspension, which generated significant debate within the party, effectively ended his tenure as chairman.
However, in 2025, the party formally granted amnesty to him, together with some other suspended members, as part of efforts to promote reconciliation and strengthen party unity ahead of future elections.
The former chairman said he had personally put behind him the pain and disappointment associated with his suspension from the party and was prepared to work with all factions in the interest of the NPP.
“I have put everything away. I have no pain in me anymore. The pain is gone. We need to unite and move forward,” he said.
Mr Afoko noted that with President John Dramani Mahama expected to complete his constitutional term, the NPP had a strategic opportunity to position itself strongly for the next election cycle.
He, however, warned that failure to unite would undermine the party’s chances of taking advantage of the changing political landscape.
“If we cannot seize this opportunity by uniting, by stopping the gossiping, the lying, and the stories we tell about each other, we will remain where we are,” he said.
The aspiring chairman outlined what he described as the “Three Rs” agenda: reunite, restructure and restrengthen the party’s structures, and recapture power.
According to him, strengthening grassroots structures, improving internal communication, and enhancing government-party relations would be critical to rebuilding the party.
Mr Afoko recalled reforms introduced during his tenure as National Chairman, including efforts to strengthen polling station structures and provide financial support to constituency executives to improve grassroots mobilisation.
He said the party’s base remained its greatest asset and called for renewed investment in grassroots organisation.
“The power of the party lies at the polling station level. We must strengthen the base if we want to win power again,” he stated.
He appealed to delegates to support his bid for the chairmanship, saying he possessed the experience and vision needed to rebuild the party and return it to power.
He also called on members to support him with prayers and collective effort, stressing that success in the next election would depend on the ability of the party to work together as one family.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba
Reporter: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Email: [email protected]