New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman hopeful, Awentami Paul Afoko, says his northern background and that of the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, should not influence delegates against voting for him in the upcoming national executive elections.
According to Mr Afoko, the NPP is a national party that does not select its leaders based on ethnic or religious considerations, but rather on their ability to perform the task assigned to them.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr Afoko said he is confident of working effectively with Dr Bawumia if elected National Chairman.
“Our flagbearer is not an arrogant man. He has no dictatorial tendencies. I knew him even before he became flagbearer; he is a very humble person, so I am sure that we will work together beautifully,” he said.
He rejected suggestions that the fact that both he and Dr Bawumia come from the northern part of Ghana could disadvantage his chances of winning the chairmanship race.
“Both of us coming from the North won’t disadvantage me. Our party is looking for who can do the job diligently, not where they are from,” Mr Afoko stated.
He stressed that arguments suggesting that he should not be voted for because he and the flagbearer are both northerners do not reflect the principles of the NPP.
“Saying I am from the North and Bawumia is also from the North, so I shouldn’t be voted for, doesn’t work. Our party doesn’t operate like that,” he said.
Mr Afoko further called for unity within the party, insisting that the NPP must put aside ethnic, religious and factional considerations if it wants to regain power in the 2028 elections.
“The party is one and not divided by tribe or religion. We want longevity in power,” he said.
He also reiterated his confidence in his ability to help reform the party and restore it to government, while acknowledging that such an objective would require collective effort.
“What I did in 2014, I can do it again to bring us back to power. I can be trusted. I have what it takes to reform and bring this party back to power. I can’t change the trajectory alone. Unity is what will work for us,” he said.
Mr Afoko urged delegates to view his candidacy as one aimed at serving the entire party rather than any particular faction.
“So I urge the party, when they vote for me, I am coming as chairman of the party and not chairman for a particular faction in the party. We all want the same thing, which is to come back to power in 2028,” he added.
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