Aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Afoko, says the party has a strong opportunity to reclaim power in the 2028 general elections.
According to him, the absence of a long-standing political figure from the 2028 ballot presents the NPP with a chance to effectively market its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, whom he described as a formidable and battle-tested candidate capable of winning the election.
He stressed that voters are already familiar with Dr Bawumia and believe he is prepared to lead the party to victory.
Afoko noted that just as the NPP successfully took power from an incumbent government in 2016, the same feat can be repeated in 2028 with a well-marketed candidate and a united party.
The former NPP National Chairman, however, emphasised that victory would only be possible if party members remain united and approach the elections with seriousness and commitment.
Mr Awentami Paul Afoko made these remarks during meetings with Regional Executives, Patrons, and Elders of the party in the Volta, Oti, and Eastern Regions.
“For the first time, we have a unique opportunity. At the time I put the New Plan for Power in place, we knew that the sitting president could run again, and if he won another term, we would sit in opposition for twelve years.
“We had to put a plan in place to make sure we came to power, and we came to power. This time around, he will not be on the ballot paper, and this offers us a unique opportunity, but without unity, we will not get there,” he stated.
“As for unity, it is not negotiable. You can’t sit here and look at the lady sitting next to you and say I don’t like her, so we can’t work together. We are working together for power, and if we let emotions get in the way, we lose.
Those of you who are old enough to remember Muhammad Ali the boxer, he is in the ring with you, he’s talking and calling you names, then you get emotional, and he takes advantage. Emotions won’t give us power.
I didn’t get anything, so I won’t support; no, let that go because it is in the past,” he said.
Afoko, who is promoting his 3R Agenda of Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture power, said the party must adopt a clear message to regain the confidence of Ghanaians.
He added that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia remains the right candidate to secure victory for the NPP in the 2028 elections.
“For years I chose to work quietly behind the scenes, supporting the NPP in private,” Afoko said. “But recent developments have compelled me to step forward. We need to get our party back into winning ways, and that starts with unity of purpose,” Afoko reiterated.
He described the period ahead as a critical test of whether the NPP can move beyond internal blame and mature politically.
However, he expressed optimism that party faithful would unite behind the goal of making Dr Mahamudu Bawumia the next President of Ghana.
