The New Patriotic Party (NPP) finds itself at a critical juncture following its defeat in the 2024 general elections, facing internal divisions and the challenge of rebuilding for the future. The upcoming 2026 flagbearer elections have intensified existing tensions, with supporters of prominent contenders like Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, and Bryan Acheampong engaging in increasingly acrimonious exchanges. Mussa Dankwah, Executive Director of Global InfoAnalytics, has issued a cautionary note, urging restraint and emphasizing the importance of party unity. He warns that the current infighting, marked by accusations and personal attacks, could further fracture the party, hindering its ability to present a united front against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2028 elections. Dankwah stresses the need for moderation and forgiveness, emphasizing that the divisions created during the primaries must be healed to effectively challenge the NDC in the next general election cycle.
The internal struggle within the NPP is complicated by various factors, including accusations directed at Dr. Bawumia based on his tribe and religion. These attacks highlight sensitive fault lines within the party and risk alienating significant segments of the voter base. The aftermath of the 2024 defeat has created an environment where such accusations gain traction, potentially exacerbating existing tensions. Dankwah’s warning underscores the critical need for the NPP to address these issues constructively and prevent them from derailing the party’s efforts to regain power. The focus, he argues, should be on rebuilding unity and developing a coherent strategy for the future, rather than allowing internal divisions to fester and weaken the party’s overall position.
Dankwah’s analysis points to the long-term consequences of the current internal strife. He argues that if the deep-seated divisions are not addressed, the party risks entering the 2028 elections in a significantly weakened state. The ability to regroup and present a united front is essential for electoral success, and the current trajectory suggests that achieving this unity may prove challenging. The NPP needs to find a way to move beyond the personal attacks and focus on shared goals and principles. Failure to do so, Dankwah suggests, will likely result in a prolonged period of internal conflict, hindering the party’s ability to effectively challenge the NDC.
The upcoming Akwatia by-election on September 2nd provides a crucial test for the NPP. While a Global InfoAnalytics poll indicates an early lead for the NPP candidate, Solomon Kwame Asumadu, the broader political climate and the internal divisions within the party could influence the outcome. Asumadu’s reported lead across various demographic groups, including Akans, Ga-Adangbe, Ewe, and Mole-Dagbani voters, offers a glimmer of hope for the NPP. However, the party’s ability to capitalize on this early advantage will depend on its ability to project an image of unity and stability. The by-election will serve as a barometer of public sentiment and a crucial indicator of the NPP’s ability to recover from its 2024 defeat.
The NPP’s success in the Akwatia by-election could provide a much-needed boost in morale and demonstrate the party’s resilience. However, a poor showing would likely intensify the internal divisions and further complicate the path to recovery. The by-election represents an opportunity for the NPP to demonstrate its commitment to unity and to begin rebuilding trust with the electorate. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the party’s internal dynamics and its overall strategy for regaining power.
In conclusion, the NPP faces a complex and challenging road ahead. The internal divisions, fueled by the upcoming flagbearer elections and exacerbated by the 2024 election defeat, pose a significant threat to the party’s future. Mussa Dankwah’s call for moderation and unity serves as a timely reminder of the importance of internal cohesion in achieving electoral success. The Akwatia by-election presents an opportunity for the NPP to begin healing the rifts and demonstrate its commitment to a unified and effective opposition. The party’s response to these challenges will ultimately determine its prospects in the 2028 elections and beyond. The focus must shift from internal squabbles to a cohesive strategy for regaining public trust and offering a compelling vision for the future.
