By Grace Zigah
A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Tolon Constituency of the Northern Region, Chief Akilu Sayibu, has called on the party to consider going into the 2028 general election without parliamentary primary in the constituency, arguing that unity behind the incumbent Member of Parliament, Habib Iddrisu, should be a priority.
Akilu Sayibu, a former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, said the party must adopt strategies that would minimise internal divisions and channel its resources towards strengthening its electoral prospects ahead of the next general election.
His position is significant because he previously expressed interest in contesting the NPP parliamentary primary in Tolon, making his latest declaration an indication that he does not intend to pursue the contest at this stage.
“I have no intention at all of contesting parliamentary primary in the Tolon constituency at this time,” Chief Akilu Sayibu disclosed.
He argued that the NPP should avoid the acrimony and financial demands often associated with internal parliamentary contests and instead concentrate on promoting the party’s image, consolidating support for its parliamentary candidate and preparing for the 2028 elections.
According to him, resources that would otherwise be spent on competitive primaries should be redirected towards branding the party and the incumbent MP as a united political force ready to face the opposition in the next general election.
Chief Akilu maintained that Habib Iddrisu was on the right course and deserved the collective support of party members to continue his work in the constituency.
He called on NPP members and supporters to rally behind the MP, stressing that a united front would be important not only for retaining the Tolon parliamentary seat but also for advancing the party’s broader national electoral ambitions.
The former Tamale North parliamentary candidate has consequently appealed to his supporters, family members and loved ones to disregard publications on social and traditional media suggesting that he was preparing to contest the Tolon parliamentary primaries.
He said such reports did not reflect his current position and urged his followers not to be misled by speculation about his political intentions.
Chief Akilu further called on party faithful to support Habib Iddrisu to retain the constituency for the NPP in 2028, while also backing former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in his bid to become President.
He believes that reducing internal competition and strengthening cooperation among party members would help the NPP focus on its campaign preparations rather than become entangled in disagreements over its parliamentary candidate.
