Minority Leader and Effutu Member of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to overcome internal divisions, describing disunity as a persistent “slow poison” that threatens the party’s electoral prospects.

Speaking at a convention of NPP stakeholders in the Effutu Constituency following the party’s flagbearer contest, Afenyo-Markin warned that history shows the party often suffers electoral defeat whenever internal cracks emerge, regardless of the strength of its policies or leadership.

He called on party members to rally behind former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, emphasizing the importance of a shared vision, consistent messaging, and a unified approach from the national level to grassroots structures.

“History teaches us the cost of fragmentation,” he said, recalling how divisions within the Danquah-Busia tradition in 1979 led to the formation of the UNC and PFP, paving the way for the PNP under Hilla Limann to assume power. Similar rifts, he added, contributed to the NPP’s losses in 1992, 1996, 2008, and 2012.

Afenyo-Markin contrasted these defeats with periods of unity, noting the party’s victories in 2000, 2004, 2016, and 2020, attributing success to discipline and cohesion. He cautioned against a repeat of the 2024 elections, where “skirt and blouse” voting weakened the party at the polls.

“We must not allow the 2024 result to repeat itself. If Dr Bawumia fails, it is we who have failed him. Let us not fail him. Let us work for him, work for the party, and work for our country,” he urged.

The Minority Leader’s remarks highlight the NPP’s ongoing challenge of maintaining unity as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.

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Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, has conceded defeat in the party’s presidential primaries after early results indicated a decisive lead for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Preliminary figures from several constituencies showed Dr. Bawumia ahead of his competitors as counting continued across the country. Speaking to the media, Mr Agyapong described the outcome as disappointing but expressed pride in his campaign team’s efforts.

“I would say that the results were disappointing, but it is positive. I take pride in your dedication, your untiring efforts, and your commitment to this struggle,” he said.

He confirmed that he had reached out to Dr. Bawumia to congratulate him, even as the official results from the Electoral Commission were awaited. He also emphasised the importance of party unity moving forward.

“I’m comfortable that, at the end of the day, the majority of the party has made a decision. Once the majority has taken a decision, it is incumbent on all of us, patriots of our political party, to give our fullest and wholehearted support to the winner.”

Calling on NPP members to close ranks, Mr. Agyapong urged collaboration and focus ahead of the 2028 general elections.

“We’ve closed this chapter. It’s now time for us to work in harmony, respect one another, work together, and present the best version of ourselves to the Ghanaian people.”

He praised the conduct of the primaries as a reflection of the party’s commitment to democratic principles and once again congratulated Dr. Bawumia on his victory.

“Once again, my congratulations to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the decisive victory. He can be sure of my fullest support.”

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has been officially declared as the winner of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, securing his position as the party’s flagbearer for the next general elections.

Dr Bawumia polled 110,645, representing 56.48 per cent of the total valid votes cast.

His victory was confirmed by Electoral Commission (EC) officials at the party’s headquarters after the collation of results from constituencies across the country.

Announcing the results, the EC officials said a total of 196,462 votes were cast nationwide, out of which 561 ballots were rejected.

The results showed that former Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Ohene Agyapong placed second with 46,554 votes, representing 23.76 per cent. Former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong secured 36,303 votes, equivalent to 18.53 per cent.

Former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum obtained 1,999 votes, representing 1.02 per cent, while former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyapong polled 402 votes, accounting for 0.21 per cent.

More than 211,000 delegates cast their ballots at over 300 polling centres across the country in what party officials described as a keenly contested internal race.

Dr Bawumia faced competition from four other aspirants: former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong; former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum; former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyapong; and businessman and former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

The primaries were conducted across all 16 regions of Ghana, with delegates voting to select the candidate to lead the NPP’s bid to reclaim power in the 2028 general elections.