NPP Bigwigs Revolt Over Top‑Down Flagbearer Election Plan
At the heart of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), tension is rising as senior members vehemently oppose a controversial plan by the National Council and NEC to elect the party’s 2028 flagbearer before conducting internal elections across regional and constituency levels.
⚠️ Core of the Revolt
-
Kwabena Frimpong, NPP Deputy Protocol Director, warned that electing the flagbearer first “erodes internal democracy and weakens foundational structures”. He cautioned such an approach risks manipulation and disenfranchising grassroots supporters
-
Former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, a respected party stalwart, slammed the plan as “strategically unsound, politically indefensible and organisationally reckless,” questioning how a candidate can be chosen before those who must support them are in place
-
Patrick Yaw Boamah, MP for Okaikwei Central, urged the party to “fix the party” and restore public trust post-2024 loss before turning to flagbearer aspirations
-
Dr. Nyaho‑Tamakloe, founding NPP member, accused leadership of constitutional violation by setting the flagbearer election ahead of restructuring party organs, calling it a diversion from essential introspection
????️ Defenders of the Move
Proponents argue that holding the flagbearer election early can reduce internal tensions:
-
Kennedy Osei Nyarko, MP for Akim Swedru, stated the top-down approach could streamline the process and mitigate interference from flagbearer hopefuls at lower levels
-
Nana Akomea, aligned with Dr. Bawumia, backed the decision, arguing unity hinges on concluding the flagbearer contest quickly to foster cohesion and refocus on rebuilding
⚖️ Legal & Constitutional Concerns
Legal luminaries also weighed in:
-
Nii Ayikoi Otoo, former Attorney-General, cautioned that bypassing due process risks favoritism and factional splits, advocating patience until upcoming constitutional amendments are adoptedMany critics point to the NPP constitution, which emphasizes grassroots-driven processes—from polling station to national levels—as being violated by this reverse ordering
???? Implications for Party and Election Strategy
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Grassroots Demoralization | Bypassing structured internal elections could alienate core supporters and diminish party cohesion. |
| Factional Risk | Favoritism accusations and exclusion could entrench divisions ahead of 2028 elections. |
| Constitutional Crisis | Perceived rule-breaking undermines legitimacy and throws internal reforms into question. |
| Integrity vs. Efficiency | While the early vote may reduce simmering tensions, it challenges traditional democratic norms. |
???? What’s Next?
-
The constitutional amendments, expected post the July National Delegates Conference, may reaffirm or modify the election timeline Within the NEC and National Council, a brewing clash looms between central leadership and dissenting party veterans.
-
How the NPP navigates this will significantly define its unity and credibility, especially after a bruising 2024 defeat.
As the party grapples with timing, the core question remains: Should a presidential face be chosen before the structures meant to support them are in place? The answer may determine not only the NPP’s internal coherence but also its electoral fortunes.
What's Your Reaction?
