The New Patriotic Party (NPP) finds itself at a critical juncture following its defeat in the 2024 elections. Former Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has issued a fervent call for unity and an end to the public blame game that has erupted within the party ranks. Abubakar expressed deep concern over the escalating accusations and finger-pointing, particularly among senior party members, arguing that this damaging behavior undermines the crucial task of rebuilding and regaining public trust. She emphasized the potential for such public displays of discord to deepen existing fractures and erode the collective effort required to analyze the election loss and chart a successful path forward. Abubakar warned that allowing these internal divisions to fester will only serve to further weaken the party and hinder its ability to effectively address the underlying issues that contributed to its electoral setback. She stressed the importance of presenting a united front to the public and focusing on constructive internal dialogue to overcome this challenging period.
Abubakar’s plea for unity centers on the argument that public accusations create an environment of mistrust and disunity, hindering the party’s ability to conduct an honest and thorough post-election analysis. She highlighted the potential for a destructive cycle of accusations and counter-accusations, where those targeted may feel compelled to respond publicly, thereby exacerbating the internal conflict. This, she argues, would further divide the party and distract from the essential work of identifying the root causes of the election defeat and developing strategies for future success. The focus, she insists, should be on constructive dialogue and collaboration, not on assigning blame or engaging in public mudslinging. The party’s strength, she reminded its members, lies in its collective action and ability to work together towards a common goal.
To address the challenges facing the NPP, a fact-finding committee has been established under the leadership of former Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye. Abubakar expressed confidence in the committee’s capacity to objectively analyze the factors that contributed to the party’s defeat and to formulate a viable strategy for future electoral success. However, she cautioned against allowing negative emotions and personal agendas to overshadow this crucial process. She stressed that the committee’s work requires an environment of open communication, mutual respect, and a genuine commitment to learning from past mistakes. The success of the committee, and ultimately the party’s future, hinges on the ability of its members to put aside personal differences and work together towards a common goal.
Abubakar urged all members of the NPP to prioritize the party’s well-being over individual grievances. She invoked the imagery of protecting and supporting the party, emphasizing the responsibility of all members to contribute to its recovery and future success. This includes refraining from public criticism that could further damage the party’s image and undermine its efforts to rebuild. Instead, she encouraged members to channel their energy and passion into constructive actions that will strengthen the party and prepare it for future electoral contests. She appealed to their sense of loyalty and commitment to the NPP, stressing the importance of working together to overcome this challenging period.
The former Minister emphasized that true party loyalty lies in constructive action, not in public lamentations or attacks. She called for a shift in focus from assigning blame to taking responsibility for rebuilding the party. She highlighted the need for courageous leadership to guide the NPP through this difficult period and to inspire its members to work together towards a common goal. Abubakar emphasized that the party’s success depends on the collective efforts of its members, and that rising from defeat requires unity, determination, and a shared commitment to the party’s future. She called on all members to embrace the challenge of rebuilding the NPP and to work together to regain the public’s trust and support.
Abubakar’s message is a powerful call for unity and introspection within the NPP. She stresses that the party’s future hinges on its ability to learn from its mistakes, move beyond internal divisions, and focus on rebuilding its strength and public image. Her words serve as a reminder that true party loyalty lies not in assigning blame or engaging in public disputes, but in working together constructively to overcome challenges and achieve common goals. The NPP’s path back to power, according to Abubakar, requires a collective effort grounded in unity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the party’s future success. This requires not only identifying and addressing the root causes of the election defeat, but also cultivating a culture of internal cohesion and constructive dialogue.
