By Daniel Akwasi Nuako, GNA
Sefwi Wiawso (WN/R), Nov. 14, GNA — Mr Kwadwo Bigbrain Nyamekye, a Political Commentator, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prioritise consensus-building and unity in its Sefwi Wiawso Constituency parliamentary primaries to improve upon the party’s chances of retaining the seat in 2028.
He warned that a poorly managed parliamentary primary could deepen divisions within the party and undermine its chances of winning the seat.
In a political commentary titled: “Inside Sefwi Wiawso NPP: Power Play or Power Display?”, Mr Nyamekye said the NPP needed to learn lessons from the 2024 general election and avoid unnecessary internal contests that could weaken the party’s electoral fortunes.
He noted that the NDC had won seven of the nine parliamentary elections held in the constituency, adding that even Dr Kwaku Afriyie, a prominent political figure, required four attempts before winning the seat for the NPP in 2016.
According to him, the NPP’s victory in the 2020 parliamentary election was secured by a margin of fewer than 100 votes, making it necessary for the party to adopt a carefully considered strategy to retain the seat in 2028.
Mr Nyamekye observed that the party’s parliamentary primary held on January 27, 2024, involving five candidates, created divisions that could not be adequately resolved before the general election that year.
He explained that the party could not afford internal divisions, particularly when the national political atmosphere was already unfavourable to the NPP ahead of the 2028 general election.
He maintained that internal elections did not always strengthen democracy within political parties, arguing that they often generated divisions, conspiracy theories and feelings of victimisation among unsuccessful aspirants and their supporters.
Mr Nyamekye stated that unity that parties usually projected after internal elections was sometimes superficial, as the underlying disagreements and resentment often persisted long after the contests.
He expressed concern over the growing number of aspirants seeking the NPP parliamentary candidature in Sefwi Wiawso.
He warned that a bitter parliamentary primary could further fracture the party and make it difficult for the NPP to reclaim the seat in 2028.
Mr Nyamekye, therefore, urged the NPP leadership to use the Sefwi Wiawso Constituency as a test case for its strategy of identifying and supporting winnable parliamentary candidates ahead of the 2028 election.
He stressed that the political and organisational cost of building consensus would be far lower than the consequences of a divisive parliamentary primary.
He urged party stakeholders to carefully manage the emerging contest, strengthen internal cohesion and avoid actions that could undermine the party’s electoral prospects.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga / Christopher Arko/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter Daniel Akwasi Nuako