Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged the five New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirants to prioritise unity and discipline, warning that internal divisions could jeopardise the party’s chances in the 2028 general elections.
Speaking ahead of the signing of a peace pact among the aspirants in Accra, Mr Afenyo-Markin reflected on the challenges of being in opposition, describing it as isolating and difficult.
“Opposition is painful and lonely. We know this. Good friends don’t pick up calls, they ignore us and they find new friends. We are living it, we feel it every day, and surely none of us wants to remain there,” he said.
He stressed that the NPP’s return to power depends on collective sacrifice and unity rather than internal conflict. “Power does not come through division. Power comes through discipline. Power comes through unity. Power comes through sacrifice,” he noted, urging party members to rise above anger, insults and short-term emotions for long-term victory.
Mr Afenyo-Markin called on aspirants to protect the party and commit to unity after the contest. “When the contest is over, let us close ranks, lock arms and march forward together, stronger, wiser and united towards victory 2028. Our future depends on it. Our party depends on it. And Ghana is counting on us,” he said.
The NPP is expected to sign the peace pact as preparations intensify for the January 31 flagbearer election. Party stalwarts present at the event include former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, former first Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu, former Defence Minister and party elder, Dr Addo Kufuor and a host of others. Also the in attendance is Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno and his team of senior Police Officers.
The five aspirants were all present to sign the agreement.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also emphasised that while political competition is healthy, how it is managed defines the maturity of a political party and the stability of the nation. “Internalparty elections are not merely contests among individuals. They are tests of institutional strength, discipline and commitment to shared values,” he said, adding that peace is the result of deliberate leadership, mutual respect and putting the party’s long-term interests above personal ambition.
