Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Paul Afoko, has outlined a unity-focused reform agenda aimed at repositioning the party to regain political power in the 2028 general elections.
He said the NPP’s chances of returning to government would depend on its ability to resolve internal disputes, rebuild trust among members and strengthen its grassroots structures.
Mr Afoko made the remarks when he addressed NPP delegates and constituency executives in Tamale as part of his campaign tour ahead of the party’s upcoming National Executive elections scheduled for later this year.
He expressed concern over what he described as persistent divisions, disagreements and internal mistrust within the party, warning that such challenges had contributed to its declining electoral performance in recent elections.
According to him, unity remains the most critical requirement for the NPP’s revival, stressing that without cohesion the party risks further setbacks.
“Unity remains non-negotiable if the party wants to return to government,” he said.
Mr Afoko cited the party’s electoral trajectory, pointing to a reduction in parliamentary seats from 169 in 2016 to 137 in 2020 and further down to 87 in 2024, describing the trend as a clear signal for urgent internal reconciliation and restructuring.
He urged party members to forgive past grievances and channel their energies into rebuilding the organisation rather than engaging in internal conflicts.
He also cautioned that the political opportunity ahead could be lost if mistrust, gossip and internal wrangling were allowed to persist.
“If we cannot seize this opportunity by uniting, by stopping the gossiping, the lying and the stories we tell about one another, we will remain where we are,” he said.
Mr Afoko recalled his previous tenure as National Chairman, during which he introduced reforms aimed at strengthening polling station structures and improving support systems for constituency executives.
He reiterated that the strength of the party lies at the grassroots level, insisting that renewed investment in polling station organisation would be key to electoral success.
“The power of the party lies at the polling station level. We must strengthen the base if we want to win power again,” he stated.
He appealed to delegates to support his bid for the national chairmanship, saying his experience and vision place him in a strong position to restore unity and rebuild the party’s electoral fortunes.
Mr Afoko further urged members to support him through collective effort and prayers, emphasising that the party’s success in 2028 would depend on its ability to operate as a united front.
