The National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has unanimously dismissed a petition seeking to disqualify former National Chairman Paul Afoko from contesting the party’s upcoming national elections, paving the way for his candidacy.
The party’s second-highest decision-making body met on Thursday, June 25, 2026, and struck down the anonymous petition – whose specific grounds remain undisclosed.
The decision clears Afoko to run for his old position ahead of the National Delegates’ Conference scheduled for September 2026.
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Party insiders reveal that the petition was lodged shortly after Afoko declared his intention to contest the chairmanship slot.
During the Council meeting, the party’s legal team and senior officials reportedly opposed the petition, arguing that no substantive grounds existed to bar the former chairman from the race.
Afoko’s 3Rs AgendaÂ
Since throwing his hat into the ring, Paul Afoko has crisscrossed constituencies championing what he calls the “3Rs Agenda” – reuniting, rebuilding, and returning the NPP to power.
His campaign heavily emphasizes party unity and reconciliation, particularly in the wake of internal fractures that surfaced after the party’s 2024 election setback.
The former chairman has also vowed to revitalize grassroots participation by strengthening polling station executives, constituency officers, and rank-and-file members. His manifesto includes promises of improved welfare packages, enhanced logistical support, and greater inclusion in party decision-making processes.
Nominations
The dismissal of the petition clears a major hurdle ahead of the opening of nominations, filing processes, and vetting of candidates for all national executive positions.
Afoko’s bid now advances as the party prepares for what is expected to be a fiercely contested leadership election in September.