National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has called on flagbearer aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to conduct an issue-based campaign as the party prepares for its flagbearer election in January 2026.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Vanderpuye stressed that the upcoming internal elections should serve as a test of leadership and policy vision, not a platform for insults and unnecessary rivalry.
“I want the presidential aspirants to be focused. ‘There’s an internal election – what are the things I have to put before the delegates to prove that I will be a good leader to serve them?’ That is key. After that, you go for the national elections”
Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, National Coordinator for DRIP
Mr. Vanderpuye explained that the real test for any aspirant lies in their ability to connect with delegates through relevant messages that address the party’s internal development and future direction. He stressed on “delegates knowing their audience,” noting that aspirants who fail to engage delegates constructively risk alienating the very base they need to win.
“‘What are the things I need to tell the delegates for them to vote for me?’ Party development, development of individual party members, prospects for them, and the sort of relationship you will have with them as a candidate are all important conversations”
Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, National Coordinator for DRIP
Mr. Vanderpuye’s comments follow a series of controversial exchanges among NPP flagbearer hopefuls, most recently involving Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who declared that he would never accept defeat in any presidential election until the Electoral Commission announces the final results.
The statement drew public reaction and was widely interpreted as a subtle jab at former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who conceded defeat in the 2024 general elections against the NDC’s President John Dramani Mahama.
According to Mr. Vanderpuye, such remarks contribute to a growing atmosphere of division within the party and must be discouraged. He described the trend as unhealthy competition that could erode internal cohesion and damage the NPP’s image ahead of the next national elections.
He further urged aspirants to remember that the flagbearer race is a family contest and should be approached with mutual respect and discipline, observing that maintaining unity and credibility will be essential to rebuilding public confidence after the party’s 2024 electoral defeat come 2028.
Responsible Leadership
Emphasizing the importance of responsible leadership, Mr. Vanderpuye also called out flagbearer aspirants who make promises without first addressing challenges in their own constituencies or regions.
In a veiled reference to Bryan Acheampong, another flagbearer hopeful of the NPP, he said that genuine leadership must begin with integrity and accountability.
“NPP flagbearer hopeful Bryan Acheampong should first tackle galamsey in his own hometown before leading a national fight against the menace,” Mr. Vanderpuye remarked, stressing that leaders must exemplify the change they seek to lead.
He added that the NPP must not lose sight of the broader goal of national development, especially at a time when Ghanaians are demanding stronger governance and renewed commitment to public welfare. “The issues now are how to lead a united party – and inspire confidence in the delegates,” he reminded.
As the January 31, 2026, primary draws closer, the NPP’s presidential aspirants are intensifying their campaigns nationwide to court delegate support. Mr. Vanderpuye reiterated that the process must not descend into personality clashes or factionalism, but rather be seen as an opportunity to renew the party’s ideological clarity and purpose.
He maintained that the NPP’s credibility in the 2028 elections will depend largely on how it manages its internal affairs now. According to him, the strength of a political party is reflected in its ability to “maintain unity during competition and build consensus after it.”
“Aspirants should focus on delegate concerns and present solutions,” the DRIP Coordinator concluded.
Mr. Vanderpuye’s remarks add to growing calls within the NPP for aspirants to run disciplined campaigns centered on policies, rather than personal rivalries, as the party works to recover from its 2024 electoral defeat under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
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