In the bid to maintain a united front after November 4th, the New Patriotic Party has introduced another novelty strategy to Ghana’s political landscape.
The four contenders participating in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer election have committed to a pledge not to leave the party in the event of losing the primaries on Saturday.
This agreement was the outcome of a meeting convened by the National Council of Elders, during which the aspirants collectively agreed to uphold the party’s interests and acknowledge the results of the primary.
Speaking to the press following the meeting, Justin Frimpong Koduah, the General Secretary of the party, confirmed the aspirants’ commitment to this undertaking.
“We were able to get all the four aspirants to sign an undertaking and in summary, they are to accept the primary results, and promote peace and cohesion…If they don’t win, they will not resign from the party and, support the winner of the primary.”
Justin Frimpong Koduah
Chairman of the Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, voiced his apprehension about the current state of affairs within the party ahead of the impending presidential primary scheduled for Saturday.
During the Council of Elders’ meeting, Mr. Owusu Agyemang openly expressed his concerns that the pursuit of individual interests might be eclipsing the collective objectives of the party.
“Fellow patriots, taking a deeper look at our party today, I see a party which may be weaker by our attitude, our utterances, and our disrespect for each other as well as our lack of discipline. I see a party sometimes with disputes and difficulties and acrimony.
“I see a party where members are refusing to work together for a common goal. We have allowed our selfish interests to override the common goal. I am not pointing fingers at any of us, maybe we are all responsible. Fellow patriots, it has become clear that some deep personal interest and bitter political resentment might have reared their ugly heads, especially among all the presidential aspirants and their supporters.”
Hackman Owusu-Agyemang
Breaking The 8 In Focus
Mr Owusu-Agyemang emphasized the need for party members to remember the bigger picture of “Breaking the Eight”.
He urged them to focus on the principles and values that have guided the NPP over the years, rather than personal ambitions.
He indicated that the race for the flagbearer position has, at times, generated passionate debates and disagreements within the party and among supporters of the presidential candidates but he called on all the presidential aspirants to eschew divisiveness and stay united after Saturday’s presidential primary.
Many applauded Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang for his speech as it resonates with them.
Maintaining a united front after the delegate’s elections is intrinsic to the NPP’s breaking the 8 objectives. Thus far, the resignation of its bulwark member, Alan Kyerematen stands tall as a drawback to that enviable objective. Hence, the party cannot afford any further breakaways if it stands any chance of breaking the 8.
It was a commendable feat by the party’s leadership. However, one cannot hastily go to the conclusion that all of the candidates will abide by the agreements thereafter, especially if the election day is perceived to be rife with unfairness and opaqueness.
In that spirit of cohesion and peace, the party leadership must ensure that November 4th is free and fair.
The upcoming NPP flagbearer selection for the 2024 elections has sparked significant anticipation, with four notable party members contending for the position.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto are among the contenders in the race, with several polls currently positioning the Vice President as the frontrunner with a significant margin.
READ ALSO: NPP Closes Ranks Ahead Of November 4th
