The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has issued a passionate call to the leadership and rank-and-file of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to place unity above all else as the party opens nominations for its 2028 presidential primaries.
His remarks come at a critical juncture, with the party focused on an upcoming by-election in Akwatia and amid concerns about the fairness and timing of the flagbearer selection process.
Speaking in the wake of the announcement that nominations for the 2028 presidential slot had been opened, Davis Opoku questioned the rationale behind allowing nominations while placing a freeze on campaigning until after the September 2 Akwatia by-election.
Although he welcomed the party’s prioritisation of Akwatia, which he described as “critical to the party’s parliamentary strength and its foundation for 2028 victory, the MP raised concerns that the current approach could inadvertently sow discord within the party.
“Every effort, every resource, and every ounce of energy must go into winning this seat. But this raises an important question: If our full attention is rightly on Akwatia, why rush to open nominations now?”
Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku
According to the Mpraeso MP, the freeze on campaigning until after the by-election effectively compresses the time available to presidential hopefuls to engage party delegates and promote their vision.
He pointed out that once the Akwatia by-election concludes on September 2, aspirants would be left with barely five months to traverse the country, sell their message, and mobilise support ahead of the primaries.
“This compressed window feeds into the perception that the timeline is a deliberate manoeuvre to favour particular aspirants. Whether true or not, it risks creating unnecessary division and anxiety at a time when unity is our most important tool for victory.”
Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku
Calls for Transparency
Hon. Opoku called for a more transparent and inclusive process that aligns with the values enshrined in the NPP’s constitution.
“Our constitution encourages fairness, inclusivity, and adequate preparation for all aspirants. Opening nominations now, while banning campaigns, achieves little for NPP and weakens internal confidence.”
Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku
The lawmaker’s comments appear to reflect growing concerns within sections of the party that the handling of internal contests, if not carefully managed, could erode party cohesion ahead of the next general elections.
“Let’s win Akwatia first. That is the battle before us. Once that seat is secured, we can open the race for 2028 in full, giving every aspirant a fair chance to campaign, connect with delegates, and strengthen the party.”
Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku
His statement comes at a time when many political analysts are keenly observing how the NPP navigates its leadership succession in the aftermath of the 2024 general elections.
With the National Democratic Congress (NDC) now back in power under President John Mahama, the NPP faces the strategic task of reorganising, rebuilding its parliamentary strength, and maintaining party discipline while selecting a new flagbearer for 2028.
Hon. Davis Opoku’s intervention appears to be a call for caution and strategic patience—a reminder that short-term expediency could cost the party long-term unity and electoral strength.
His message underscores the wider need for internal democracy and transparency, particularly as the party attempts to consolidate its support base and prepare for future contests.
“We must remember that the next election will not be won through division and suspicion. It will be won through unity, strategy, and hard work—and that begins with making smart, fair decisions today.”
Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku
The Mpraeso MP’s remarks provide a pertinent analysis of the necessity of striking a balance between unity and urgency, ambition and inclusivity, as the NPP moves forward with plans for the Akwatia by-election and negotiates the early phases of its 2028 presidential campaign.
It is unclear if the party leadership will reevaluate the current procedure, but the Mpraeso MP’s demand for unity is a right call for the party’s reorganisation and rebuilding efforts.
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