Former National Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Awentami Afoko, has re-entered frontline party politics, declaring that his return from retirement is driven by a mission to restore unity and reposition the party for victory in the 2028 general election.
Speaking during a campaign tour of the Volta, Oti and Central regions, Afoko told party supporters that his bid for the National Chairmanship is anchored on rebuilding the NPP after its defeat in the 2024 polls.
He said the party must urgently reorganise itself if it hopes to regain power, stressing that internal cohesion and strong leadership would be key to reversing what he described as declining political fortunes.
Afoko was candid about his political motivation, stating that the ultimate objective is to return the party to government. “Power is all we want, so that we can use power to develop our country,” he told supporters.
He warned that persistent divisions within the party could weaken its electoral prospects, urging elders, executives, and grassroots members to close ranks and focus on rebuilding.
Highlighting the party’s reduced parliamentary strength—from 169 seats to 87—Afoko described the outcome of the last election as a signal that urgent reforms were needed to restore confidence and competitiveness.
He called on members not to be passive observers of the party’s decline, insisting that collective action was required to “turn the corner” and rebuild momentum ahead of the next election cycle.
Afoko has outlined a campaign strategy centred on what he calls the “3Rs” agenda: Reunite the party, Rebuild its structures, and Recapture political power.
As part of this vision, he emphasised reconciliation among factions and estranged members as a first step, followed by organisational strengthening at the grassroots level.
He also reaffirmed his support for former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, expressing confidence that a united and re-energised NPP could return him to the presidency in 2028.
The NPP is currently undergoing internal restructuring following its loss in the 2024 general election, with several figures contesting for key leadership positions ahead of its next national delegates conference.
