Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has called on presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to exercise discipline, restraint, and unity ahead of the party’s January 31 presidential primary.
He warned that internal discord could deepen the pain of opposition and damage the party’s future.
Addressing party leaders and aspirants at the NPP Peace Pact signing ceremony on Thursday, January 22, Mr Afenyo-Markin described life in opposition as emotionally and politically taxing, urging party members not to worsen the situation through internal conflict.
“Opposition is painful and lonely. We know this. Good friends don’t pick up calls. They ignore us, and they find new friends,” he said.
Also read: Unity or defeat: Afenyo-Markin warns NPP at peace pact signing
He stressed that while the NPP’s desire to return to power was legitimate, that objective could not be achieved through division and hostility among party actors.
“Power does not come through division. Power comes through discipline. Power comes through unity. Power comes through sacrifice,” the Minority Leader declared.
The Minority leader noted that internal party elections were not merely contests for personal advancement but critical moments that tested the maturity, values, and institutional strength of the party. According to him, how the NPP manages the current primary contest will shape public confidence in the party’s readiness to govern again.
He warned that personal attacks, insults, and unsubstantiated allegations exchanged during the primaries would ultimately harm the party’s collective fortunes.
“Every insult traded today becomes a weapon in our opponent’s hand tomorrow,” he cautioned.
The Minority Leader further warned that the impact of internal divisions extended beyond party structures into Parliament, where a fractured NPP risks weakening the Minority’s ability to provide effective oversight of the Mahama administration.
“A divided party does not only risk losing another election; it weakens the Minority’s ability to stand firmly against excesses, impunity, and bad governance,” he said.
Calling on aspirants to honour the peace pact in both letter and spirit, Mr. Afenyo-Markin urged campaigns to be anchored in ideas, competence, and vision rather than threats, intimidation, or inflammatory rhetoric. He also stressed the importance of accepting the outcome of the primaries with dignity.
“This peace pact is not just about who wins on January 31. It is about whether on February 1 and beyond the NPP will still be united, credible and strong in the eyes of Ghanaians,” he said.
He appealed to party leadership to enforce discipline fairly and to grassroots supporters to resist being used as instruments of division.