Political Historian, Dr. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, has intimated that tension from the top ranks in the New Patriotic Party is what is “simmering down” to cause general tension in the party.

Commenting on the upcoming delegates’ conference which has been characterized by controversies, Dr. Adu Gyamfi indicated that the fact that there are major actors or players at the top who are interested in making some determination as to who becomes a king maker within the respective levels, issues will be created.

“So, it is what is happening up there which is simmering down. It’s kind of boiling and gradually, it is going to create some level of tension. Such tension would come to the climax at the time where they elect their flagbearer who will try to unite the rank and file of the party because of the confusion and the disagreement arising from the respective internal elections they’ve had so far.”
Dr. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi

The Political Historian posited that this has been the practice for a very long time by all the respective political parties. He added that the nation has witnessed tensions flare in parties but the parties were able to unite their ranks at the end of the day for elections.

Suggesting what can be done to ease the rising tension in the upcoming delegates’ conference, Dr. Adu Gyamfi indicated that he is not sure much can be done because the party cannot restrict individuals from exercising their rights within the party.

It’s important to insist on rights

According to Dr. Adu Gyamfi, it is important for people to have the opportunity to insist on their rights and allow for the existing laws within the country as well as the party, to speak for such individuals who for some reasons would petition appropriate authorities.

“It’s important for us to appreciate that if the party does anything contrary to allowing the members of the party to be able to put their matters before respective committees or officers or better still if they are not happy, then we would say that the NPP is defeating its own internal democratic credentials and to that extent, it will suffer its own challenges leading to the 2024 elections.”
Dr. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi

The Political Historian averred that the current tension is also as a result of the bid by some top persons who want to lead the party. He stated that for the party to be able to even to stop this, he would propose a possible look at an Alan-Bawumia alliance going forward in terms of ticketing to allow for some peace.

Touching on why he suggests the Alan-Bawumia ticketing, he averred that it’s because he is not sure that after the primaries, the NPP will be able to unite its ranks. He explained that separately, the end results for both candidates will be problematic hence, the suggestion of they forming an alliance.

“Allowing Alan-Bawumia ticket in this regard, allowing the two of them to have the potential to lead the country in the future, will allow a certain peace to be retained within the NPP and even further give them the opportunity to run this election to a run off and possibly win.”
Dr. Samuel Adu-Gyamfi

Dr. Adu-Gyamfi further indicated that if the two candidates are paired, internally, it will increase their chance of winning since voter apathy will not be high.