Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says he is confident about the future of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), insisting that the internal contest for flagbearer is proof that the party remains strong and attractive.
The Effutu MP, speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 27, said the NPP’s determination to rebuild and transform is clear despite internal differences.
“We’ve demonstrated our determination, not to the satisfaction of everybody, but from where I sit, I see that determination of the party machinery to move on and to transform and get certain things done,” he said.
He described the upcoming primaries as a crucial test for the party, expressing optimism about the calibre of candidates contesting.
“This primaries ahead of us is a big deal, and I’m happy that we have five gentlemen of our stock of their own rights, hardworking, determined.
“They’ve made their name in the party, bold and courageous to say that, look, we want to take the flag and bring you victory. That, in itself, tells me that the party has a future,” he noted.
Afenyo-Markin said the continued interest of leading figures in vying for the flagbearer position showed that the NPP was still relevant and had a mission beyond individuals.
“Ambition to use the party to serve the country, and for me, the fact that they remain that determined, that fire in their belly keeps burning, gives me assurance that there’s hope for the party,” he said.
He dismissed fears that divisions from the primaries could weaken the party.
“A party that has no future will not have people wasting their time to use its brand to serve at all. They would say they will go independent. So that, in itself, is a good start for us,” he stressed.
He explained that once the flagbearer is chosen by January 31, the NPP would begin rebranding and aligning the new leader’s vision with the party’s ideology.
“A leader is chosen, one that leader is chosen, a manifesto committee will be set up. Then the proper rebranding starts, because whoever is chosen as a leader comes with his vision,” he stated.
On the issue of MPs openly declaring support for particular candidates, Afenyo-Markin said so far, members had conducted themselves decently.
“My concern was how those who will declare openly will manage themselves. You recall that I came out openly to say that, look, let’s be very neutral,” he said.
He explained that his neutrality was strategic, given his role as leader in Parliament.
“There will be a need to make yourself a credible referee who would be trusted by various factions. It’s better for you to stay neutral, at least not openly declare. Some disagreed. You are in a democracy,” he added.
Asked whether he had endorsed anyone privately, he maintained that while he might have personal preferences, he could not make them public.
“I cannot publicly say I am going to campaign for this person. I don’t have to, because of where I sit,” he said.
He also revealed that some leaders had chosen to follow his example, while others had made their preferences known respectfully.
“Some have said, leader, ordinarily, I would be with you, but I would want to go this way, but I will be decent. Which I’ve already said is good,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin concluded that despite the different allegiances, parliamentary work had not been affected.
“So far so good. But I do not think that has affected the way we work in Parliament,” he said.
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