The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has announced plans to engage popular individuals who are not active in politics as part of efforts to identify potential parliamentary candidates ahead of the 2028 general elections. This move is aimed at securing winnable candidates for the party. According to NPP Director of Communications, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the party is assessing constituencies to identify individuals with the strongest potential to secure parliamentary seats.
The NPP's strategy involves discussions with previous parliamentary candidates who narrowly lost the 2024 elections, particularly where internal disagreements may have affected the party's performance. The party will also consider engaging popular figures within communities who may not have considered entering politics but could be encouraged to contest if the party determines that they have the support needed to win. This approach forms part of the strategy outlined by NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Miracles Aboagye stated that the party has already started conversations on ensuring that for every constituency, a proper calibration is done to identify persons who have the biggest capacity or chance to win the election. He explained that the dynamics of each constituency will be considered rather than applying a uniform approach to the selection of parliamentary candidates. This could involve engaging popular individuals, including those without political backgrounds.
In some constituencies, the party has identified about four or five capable people who have the capacity to win the seat. According to Aboagye, these individuals will be put into the ballot. He added that the party's approach will ensure that the best candidates are selected to represent the NPP in the 2028 elections. The party's goal is to win as many parliamentary seats as possible.
The NPP's decision to engage popular non-politicians is seen as a strategic move to boost its chances of winning the 2028 elections. By considering individuals from various backgrounds, the party hopes to attract new talent and perspectives to its parliamentary candidates. This move is also expected to help the party to identify and address potential issues in its constituencies.
Aboagye's comments come ahead of the 2028 general elections, which are expected to be highly competitive. The NPP will face stiff competition from other political parties, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The party's ability to select winnable candidates will be crucial in determining its success in the elections.
The NPP's strategy has been welcomed by some, who see it as a positive move to strengthen the party's parliamentary presence. However, others have expressed concerns about the potential risks of engaging non-politicians. The party's success in the 2028 elections will depend on various factors, including its ability to select the right candidates and implement effective campaign strategies.
Key points
- The NPP will engage popular non-politicians to identify potential parliamentary candidates for the 2028 general elections.
