Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has urged the party’s leadership to hold off on plans for early flagbearer elections.
According to him, following the party’s historic defeat in the 2024 general elections, the first priority should have been to resolve internal wranglings and restore unity among members.
Speaking at the NPP Constituency Chairpersons Conference on Saturday, June 21, the former Assin Central MP argued that the NPP may still lose the next elections, even with Jesus Christ as flagbearer, if the party fails to address its internal issues.
“If you don’t solve the problems, you can bring Jesus Christ as your presidential candidate, you will still not make it. Because all of us here are going to campaign, but what message are we going to give?
“We don’t know the causes of our defeat, so I am of the opinion that we solve all these internal issues before we rush to go and select a presidential candidate,” he said.
His comments follow the party’s announcement that it will elect its 2028 presidential candidate on January 31, 2026.
The date was approved during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday, June 17.
Meanwhile, the NPP’s National Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah, has defended the timeline, saying it will support the party’s reform efforts and its goal to recapture power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the next general election.
“The National Council’s decision to hold the presidential primaries before reorganising the party structures is new and understandably concerning to some. Despite the concerns, it is clear that an early selection of a flagbearer will help galvanise and propel the party’s reorganisation efforts to recapture power in 2028,” he said.
“I believe these concerns will fade if we embrace the Council’s decision and fulfill our duties as dedicated and loyal party members. The New Patriotic Party stands to benefit in the end. Together, we will succeed!” he added in a social media post on Wednesday, June 18.
