The New Patriotic Party (NPP), reeling from its defeat in the December 2024 general elections, finds itself grappling with internal dissent and public blame-trading. Former Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has issued a fervent plea to party members, particularly its leadership, to exercise restraint and prioritize unity over public airing of grievances. She expressed deep concern over the unfolding spectacle of senior party members, including those involved in the 2024 campaign, engaging in finger-pointing and blame allocation through media platforms. Abubakar acknowledged the natural frustration arising from an unexpected electoral loss, but cautioned that publicly venting these frustrations is counterproductive and detrimental to the party’s rebuilding efforts.
Abubakar emphasized the importance of internal conflict resolution mechanisms, urging members to channel their concerns through established party channels rather than resorting to public pronouncements. She argued that airing internal disputes in the media only serves to deepen mistrust and sow disunity within the party ranks. Public accusations, she warned, can easily escalate into a cycle of recrimination, with those accused feeling compelled to defend themselves publicly, further exacerbating tensions and diverting attention from the crucial task of analyzing the electoral defeat and charting a path forward. The focus, Abubakar insisted, should be on constructive dialogue, internal reflection, and collective efforts to revitalize the party.
In response to the electoral setback, the NPP’s National Council has established a fact-finding committee, chaired by former Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye. This committee is tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the factors that contributed to the party’s defeat and formulating actionable recommendations to reposition the NPP for victory in the 2028 elections. Abubakar urged all party members to fully support the committee’s work and refrain from undermining its efforts through divisive rhetoric or premature public pronouncements. She stressed the importance of allowing the committee to complete its investigation and present its findings before engaging in public debates about the causes of the defeat.
Abubakar’s appeal underscores the critical need for unity and disciplined internal discourse within the NPP as it embarks on the challenging process of post-election analysis and rebuilding. She warned against the temptation to use media platforms and social media as venues for airing internal grievances and engaging in blame games. Such actions, she argued, not only damage the party’s image and erode public trust but also deepen internal divisions and hinder the process of reconciliation and renewal. The party’s strength, she emphasized, lies in its unity and collective action, and engaging in public mudslinging only serves to weaken the party and distract from the crucial task of preparing for future elections.
The former Minister of Information challenged party members to rise above the temptation to engage in destructive recriminations and instead focus their energies on constructive contributions to the party’s revitalization. She called for a spirit of collective responsibility and a commitment to working together to rebuild the party and regain public trust. Abubakar reminded party members that true loyalty lies not in public condemnation but in working diligently behind the scenes to address internal weaknesses and strengthen the party’s foundations. She emphasized that the party’s future success hinges on its ability to learn from the mistakes of the past, unite its ranks, and present a cohesive and compelling vision to the electorate.
Abubakar’s call for unity and internal discipline reflects a broader concern within the NPP about the potential for post-election infighting to further weaken the party and undermine its prospects for future electoral success. Her plea for restraint and constructive engagement serves as a reminder that the party’s recovery will require a concerted effort from all its members to put aside personal grievances and work together towards a common goal. The challenge for the NPP is to navigate this difficult period of introspection and rebuild itself into a stronger, more unified force capable of regaining the trust of the electorate and competing effectively in future elections. The party’s response to this challenge will determine its long-term viability and its ability to remain a significant force in Ghanaian politics.
