Afoko Vows To Bring Back NPP To Power In 2028

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman, Awentami Paul Afoko, has expressed confidence that the party can return to government in the 2028 general elections if he is elected National Chairman.

Mr Afoko said the NPP has only two years to remain in opposition, arguing that unity and a strong grassroots structure were key to rebuilding the party after its defeat in the 2024 elections.

Speaking to delegates in the Western, Central and Eastern Regions as part of his campaign ahead of the NPP’s October 3 National Executive elections at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, he urged party members to put aside their differences and work together.

“I do not have a magic wand, but I can assure you that if we close our ranks and rally behind me to become the National Chairman, we have only two years to stay in opposition, and then power will be ours,” he told constituency executives.

Mr Afoko, who was suspended by the party in 2015 and is now seeking a return to the national leadership, is campaigning on his 3Rs Blueprint – Reunite, Rebuild and Recapture Power.

He believes the NPP already has the structures and resources needed to win elections but must first address internal divisions.

“We have all the ingredients for victory. What we lack is unity. My message to every constituency, every region, is simple: set aside our differences, reunite as one family, and rebuild the structures that have made us formidable in the past,” he said.

He pledged to work towards healing divisions within the party and cautioned against creating factions based on support for different candidates.

“There cannot be one NPP for those who supported Candidate A and another NPP for those who supported Candidate B. There is only one New Patriotic Party,” he stated.

On his plans to rebuild the party, Mr Afoko promised to strengthen polling station and constituency structures while restoring confidence among grassroots members and empowering women, youth and TESCON.

He also said he would not endorse or promote a preferred slate for the other national executive positions if elected.

Mr Afoko further pledged to work with the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, as part of efforts to prepare the NPP for the 2028 elections.

“Our journey back to government in 2028 does not begin in December 2028. It begins now,” he added.

Mr Afoko filed his nomination at the NPP headquarters on August 25, where he said his campaign would not be driven by revenge or factional interests.

“I enter with no enemies to punish, no scores to settle and no faction to reward,” he said.

By Regina Acquaye