Drawing lessons from decades of electoral history, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has cautioned members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that internal divisions remain the party’s greatest threat, describing disunity as its “slow poison.”
Addressing a gathering of key NPP stakeholders in the Effutu Constituency following the party’s recent flagbearer contest, the Member of Parliament for Effutu said the party’s past clearly shows that unity, not just strong leadership or messaging, determines electoral success.
According to him, the NPP has consistently lost national elections whenever factionalism took root within its ranks, no matter how compelling its policies or candidates appeared at the time. He urged party members to fully rally behind the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, as preparations begin toward the 2028 general elections.
“But we have to learn from our history when we talk about unity. History has taught us harsh but clear lessons about disunity,” Afenyo-Markin said.
Tracing the roots of the party’s struggles, he recalled that divisions within the Danquah-Busia political tradition in 1979 — which led to the emergence of the United National Convention (UNC) and the Popular Front Party (PFP) — ultimately created an opening for the People’s National Party (PNP) under Hilla Limann to win power.
He noted that similar internal fractures contributed to the NPP’s defeats in the 1992, 1996, 2008, and 2012 general elections.
“When our ranks were divided, when factions spoke louder than unity, we lost painfully to the NDC. Each defeat carried the same reminder: a divided NPP cannot win, no matter how noble our message,” he stated.
In contrast, the Minority Leader pointed to the party’s victories in the 2000, 2004, 2016, and 2020 elections as proof that unity remains the single most important factor in winning power.
“But look at the other side of our history. When we stood together as one and rallied behind our leader despite our differences, victory stood with us,” he said. “The formula for success is therefore clear: unity is the lifeblood of our party; disunity is its slow poison.”
Afenyo-Markin also warned against a repeat of the 2024 elections, citing what he described as “skirt and blouse” voting as a major contributor to the party’s defeat. He stressed that such practices undermine collective effort and weaken the party’s chances at the national level.
Calling for unity of purpose, message, and vision, he urged party members to commit fully to carrying the flagbearer’s agenda to the grassroots and to speak with one voice.
“We must not allow the 2024 result to repeat itself — no more ‘skirt and blouse’ voting,” he cautioned. “If Dr Mahamudu 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.”
