By Grace Zigah
New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has urged the party’s newly elected national executives and all members to put the internal contest behind them and unite around the bigger objective of returning the party to power in the 2028 general election.
His message comes after the NPP concluded its national executive elections in Kumasi, where delegates elected a new team of national officers to steer the affairs of the party as it begins another phase of its political reorganisation.
Dr Bawumia cautioned that the 2028 election would not be won merely on the strength of the NPP’s history or past electoral successes. He stressed that the party would have to work harder, rebuild its structures, regain the confidence of Ghanaians and maintain unity at every level.
“Winning the 2028 election won’t be easy; we must work harder,” Dr Bawumia said, urging party members not to allow the competition that characterised the national elections to continue after the ballots had been counted.
He said the conclusion of the national executive elections should mark the beginning of a new phase rather than the end of the party’s internal activities.
According to him, the newly elected executives must immediately turn their attention to strengthening the party and preparing for the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.
No room for factions
Dr Bawumia’s call for unity follows the emergence of John Boadu as the new National Chairman of the NPP after a competitive contest at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Mr Boadu secured 2,888 votes to defeat former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, who polled 2,408 votes. Former National Chairman Paul Afoko obtained 719 votes, while Sammy Crabbe recorded 41 votes.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Boadu extended a hand of friendship to all the aspirants who contested the various positions and rejected the idea of treating the election as a victory for one faction over another.
“To those who supported us, thank you for your confidence. To those who contested with us, I extend my hand of friendship and fellowship,” he said.
He insisted that the election must not leave the party divided into winners and losers.
“There must be no winners and losers. There must be only one NPP, united around one purpose,” Mr Boadu stated.
Dr Bawumia similarly urged the unsuccessful aspirants not to withdraw from party activities, assuring them that they remained important to the party’s preparations for 2028.
“You’ll be part of the 2028 campaign. There’s enough work for all of us,” he told the defeated candidates.
