The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has clarified that it will not force any prospective parliamentary candidate to withdraw from its primaries. This statement comes amid consultations with prospective aspirants, which the party says is part of the democratic process. NPP's Director of Communications, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, made this statement on Joy FM, emphasizing that discussions with aspirants do not imply an attempt to force candidates out of the race.
According to Aboagye, the party will consider the unique circumstances of each constituency before deciding how candidates should be selected. He noted that in some constituencies, several strong candidates may emerge, and they may be allowed to contest the primary. In contrast, in other constituencies, discussions could be held to build consensus around a suitable candidate. This approach aims to secure winnable candidates for the 2028 general elections.
The NPP's flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, had earlier stated that the party had begun identifying potential parliamentary candidates ahead of the 2028 elections. He emphasized that the exercise aimed to find individuals with the capacity to win parliamentary seats, rather than relying exclusively on the outcome of internal primaries. Dr. Bawumia argued that an aspirant's financial strength and resources do not necessarily guarantee victory in the general election.
Aboagye further explained that negotiations and consensus-building were legitimate components of the electoral process. He stated that these processes would be considered alongside competitive primaries. According to him, election is not the only option in democracy, and negotiations are part of democracy. The party seeks to balance its approach to ensure that the most suitable candidates are selected.
The NPP's approach to selecting parliamentary candidates has been a subject of interest, given the party's goal of winning more seats in the 2028 general elections. The party's leadership has been engaging with prospective aspirants to identify those with the potential to win parliamentary seats. This process is expected to help the party make informed decisions about its candidates.
Aboagye's statement aims to alleviate concerns that the party was pressuring aspirants to withdraw from the primaries. He emphasized that the party's consultations with aspirants were a normal part of the democratic process. By engaging with prospective candidates, the NPP seeks to build a strong team that can help it achieve its electoral goals.
The NPP's parliamentary primaries are expected to be a crucial step in the party's preparations for the 2028 general elections. The party's leadership has urged aspirants to participate in the primaries, which will help identify the most suitable candidates to represent the party in the general elections. The NPP's approach to candidate selection is seen as a critical factor in its bid to increase its parliamentary seats.
Key points
- The NPP will not compel prospective parliamentary candidates to withdraw from its primaries.
- The party will consider the unique circumstances of each constituency before deciding how candidates should be selected.
- Negotiations and consensus-building are part of the electoral process and will be considered alongside competitive primaries.
