I have a horse in the race, but I can’t go public – Afenyo-Markin on NPP flagbearer contest

Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has admitted that he has a “horse in the race” in the upcoming NPP flagbearer contest but insists he will not publicly declare his support for any candidate.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 27, the Effutu MP said that although he has his private preferences, it is important for him to remain publicly neutral because of his leadership role in Parliament.

“I cannot publicly say I am going to campaign for this person,” he said.

“I don’t have to, because of where I sit… I cannot publicly—but privately, can you stay there? I cannot publicly. I have a role to play in the aftermath.”

He explained that showing open support could compromise his credibility in reconciling factions after the primaries.

“If I would have to play that role, show my hand openly, it will be difficult to be trusted when I am doing that midnight walking. So I think it’s appropriate to stay that way,” he added.

Afenyo-Markin said the NPP’s internal election is a “big deal” and praised the five aspirants for their courage and commitment to lead the party to victory.

“They’ve made their name in the party, so bold and courageous to say that, look, we want to take the flag and bring you victory. That tells me that the party has a future,” he stated.

He dismissed fears of division among MPs who have publicly declared support for different aspirants. “So far, the MPs who have declared in one way or the other have been decent. Initially, my concern was how those who will declare openly will manage themselves,” he said.

The Minority Leader reiterated that his earlier call for neutrality among parliamentary leaders was based on the need to maintain unity after the primaries. “Let’s be very neutral… to make yourself a credible referee who would be trusted by various factions,” he said.

According to him, while some MPs disagreed with his stance and chose to openly support particular candidates, they have done so “decently” and without causing disunity.

“For me, that is commendable, and I will continue to encourage those who are showing faces that look, I belong to Mr A or Mr B, to sell the message of their candidate,” he noted.

Afenyo-Markin added that the ongoing competition is a sign of a vibrant and hopeful party.

“A party that has no future will not have people wasting their time to use its brand to serve at all. They would go independent. So that, in itself, is a good start for us,” he said.

He emphasised that once the new leader is chosen, the party will begin a rebranding process aligned with the new leader’s vision and the NPP’s ideology.

“By 31st January, we will be done with this. A leader is chosen. Then the proper rebranding starts,” he concluded.

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