Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, Executive Director of the African Institute of Strategic Studies (AISS) and a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has expressed doubts about the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) preparedness for the 2028 general elections. He cited the party's recent national executive elections, constitutional amendments, leadership structure, and selection of parliamentary candidates as areas of concern. Dr. Otchere made these comments in an interview with Ahotor FM's political talk show, Simpieso.
Dr. Otchere questioned the rationale behind some of the constitutional changes made by the NPP, particularly the decision concerning who should become the leader of the party while it is in opposition. He noted that the NPP had previously amended its constitution to make the flagbearer the leader when the party is in government, but has now made another adjustment that raises questions about the motivation behind the decision. According to him, the timing of the amendment and the circumstances surrounding it could give the impression that the change was designed to prevent particular individuals from gaining influence within the party.
The political analyst also questioned the decision by delegates to elect John Boadu as National Chairman, particularly considering that Mr. Boadu had previously lost a contest for the position of General Secretary. He said if the factors that influenced delegates to reject Mr. Boadu in that earlier contest had not changed significantly, it was necessary to understand what motivated delegates to support him this time. Dr. Otchere described the election of John Boadu as a wrong decision, arguing that the factors that previously worked against him had not substantially changed.
Dr. Otchere raised concerns about the influence of money in the NPP's internal elections, suggesting that if delegates' decisions are increasingly influenced by financial inducements, the party risks preventing competent people without substantial financial resources from emerging as leaders. He urged the NPP to ensure that its internal democratic processes reward competence, experience, and commitment to the party rather than financial strength. Additionally, he questioned the conduct and campaign messages associated with the newly elected First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Boadu.
Dr. Otchere criticised attempts to select or promote parliamentary candidates without sufficient scientific evidence. He said the NPP should conduct independent and credible research to determine the electoral strength of prospective parliamentary candidates rather than relying on assumptions or internal political calculations. According to him, political parties need credible data to establish whether a candidate who performs well internally can also win votes in the general election.
Dr. Otchere compared the political stature of the NPP's new National Chairman, John Boadu, with that of NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah. He said such a comparison should be based on political pedigree, experience, gravitas, and the value each leader brings to his respective party. Dr. Otchere's concerns over the NPP's internal processes and leadership choices have led him to conclude that the party is not ready for the 2028 election.
The NPP elected John Boadu as National Chairman, while Justin Kodua Frimpong retained the General Secretary position at its National Delegates Conference held in Kumasi on October 3, 2026. Dr. Otchere maintained that the NPP must critically examine its internal processes and leadership choices if it wants to rebuild the party following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Key points
- Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere questions NPP's readiness for 2028 elections
- Concerns over money in internal elections and parliamentary candidate selection
- NPP's constitutional changes and leadership structure raise concerns about party's preparedness
