Aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Awentami Paul Afoko, has expressed confidence that the party is well-positioned to reclaim power in the 2028 general elections.
According to him, the NPP has a unique opportunity to return to government because for the first time in several election cycles, former President John Dramani Mahama will not be on the presidential ballot.
This, he said, creates an opening for the party to effectively market its 2024 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, whom he described as a formidable and battle-tested politician capable of leading the NPP back to power.
Mr Afoko noted that voters are already familiar with Dr Bawumia and his record, making him a strong contender for the presidency in 2028.
He recalled how the NPP successfully wrestled power from an incumbent government in 2016 and said a similar feat could be achieved again if the party remains focused and united.
The former NPP National Chairman, however, stressed that victory in 2028 would depend largely on the party’s ability to close ranks and work together towards a common goal.
Mr Afoko made the remarks during separate engagements with regional executives, patrons and party elders in the Volta, Oti and Eastern regions as part of his campaign for the national chairmanship position.
“For the first time, we have a unique opportunity. When I put the New Plan for Power in place, we knew the sitting president could seek another term and, if he won, we would remain in opposition for twelve years. We had to put a strategy in place to ensure that we returned to power and we succeeded,” he said.
“This time, he will not be on the ballot paper and that presents us with a unique opportunity. But without unity, we will not get there.”
Mr Afoko underscored the importance of party cohesion, insisting that personal differences must be set aside in the interest of winning political power.
“As for unity, it is non-negotiable. You cannot sit here and say you do not like the person sitting next to you, therefore, you cannot work together. We are working together for power, and if we allow emotions to get in the way, we will lose,” he stated.
Drawing an analogy from boxing, he referenced legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, saying opponents often exploit emotions to gain an advantage.
“Muhammad Ali would talk to his opponents and provoke them in the ring. Once they became emotional, he took advantage. Emotions will not bring us power. If you did not get a position or what you expected, let it go. It is in the past,” he advised.
Mr Afoko, who is campaigning on a 3R agenda: Reunite, Rebuild and Recapture, said the NPP must adopt a clear and compelling message to regain the confidence of Ghanaians.
He maintained that Dr Bawumia remains the party’s strongest candidate and expressed confidence that his leadership would significantly enhance the NPP’s chances in the next election.
“For years, I chose to work quietly behind the scenes, supporting the NPP in private. 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,” he said.
Mr Afoko described the period ahead as a defining moment for the NPP, arguing that the party must move beyond internal divisions and the politics of blame.
Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism that party faithful would rally behind a common objective and work collectively towards securing victory in 2028 and making Dr Mahamudu Bawumia the next President of Ghana.
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