The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has cautioned that disunity continues to be the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) “slow poison,” emphasising that internal conflicts have persistently weakened the party’s prospects in general elections.
He stated that the NPP has historically faced electoral defeats whenever disunity infiltrated its ranks, irrespective of the strength of its message or leadership.
Speaking at a convention of prominent NPP stakeholders in the Effutu Constituency following the party’s flagbearer contest, Afenyo-Markin urged members to unite behind the party’s selected flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to ensure success in the 2028 general elections.
He implored party members to adopt a unified purpose, message, and vision, asserting that the NPP must articulate a singular voice and fully dedicate itself to promoting the flagbearer’s agenda at the grassroots level.
The Minority Leader also warned against a recurrence of the 2024 elections, where what he termed “skirt and blouse” voting played a role in the party’s loss.
“But we have to learn from our history when we talk about unity. History has taught us harsh but clear lessons about disunity,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the party’s electoral history, Afenyo-Markin recalled that the divisions within the Danquah-Busia tradition in 1979, which led to the rise of the UNC and PFP, allowed the PNP under Hilla Limann to gain power.
He pointed out that a similar absence of unity led to electoral defeats in 1992, 1996, 2008, and 2012.
“When our ranks were divided, when factions spoke louder than unity, we lost painfully to the NDC. Each defeat carried a reminder: a divided NPP cannot win, no matter how noble our message is,” he stated.
In contrast, he highlighted the party’s victories in 2000, 2004, 2016, and 2020 as proof that unity is essential for electoral success.
“But look at the other side of our history. When we stood together as one and rallied behind our leader despite our differences, victory stood with us. The formula for success is therefore clear: unity is the lifeblood of our party; disunity is its slow poison,” he stressed.
He further urged all party members nationwide to commit fully to the task ahead, warning that failure to support the flagbearer would amount to failing the party itself.
“We must not allow the 2024 result to repeat itself, no more ‘skirt and blouse’ voting. If Dr. Bawumia fails, it is we who have failed him. Let us not fail him. Let us work for him, work for the party, and work for our country,” he added.
