Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has cautioned that disunity remains the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) “slow poison,” warning that internal divisions have repeatedly cost the party victory in national elections.
He noted that the NPP has historically suffered electoral defeats whenever factions and infighting overshadowed unity, regardless of the party’s leadership strength or campaign message.
Speaking at a convention of key NPP stakeholders in the Effutu Constituency following the party’s flagbearer contest, Afenyo-Markin called on members to unite behind the party’s elected flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, as preparations begin for the 2028 general elections.
He urged party faithful to embrace unity of purpose, message, and vision, stressing that the NPP must speak with one voice and fully commit to advancing the flagbearer’s agenda at the grassroots level.
The Minority Leader further warned against a repeat of the 2024 elections, where what he described as “skirt and blouse” voting weakened the party’s electoral fortunes.“We have to learn from our history when we talk about unity. History has taught us harsh but clear lessons about disunity,” he stated.
Reflecting on the party’s past, Afenyo-Markin recalled that divisions within the Danquah-Busia political tradition in 1979 marked by the emergence of the United National Convention (UNC) and the Popular Front Party (PFP) created an opening for the People’s National Party (PNP), led by Hilla Limann, to win power.
He added that similar internal fractures contributed to the party’s defeats in the 1992, 1996, 2008, and 2012 general elections.
“Whenever our ranks were divided and factional interests took precedence over unity, we suffered painful losses to the NDC. Each defeat reminded us of one truth: a divided NPP cannot win, no matter how compelling its message,” he said.
In contrast, Afenyo-Markin pointed to the party’s victories in 2000, 2004, 2016, and 2020 as clear evidence that unity remains the cornerstone of electoral success.
“When we stood together and rallied behind our leader despite our differences, victory followed. The formula is clear unity is the lifeblood of our party, while disunity is its slow poison,” he stressed.
He concluded by urging party members nationwide to fully commit to the task ahead, cautioning that failure to support the flagbearer would amount to failing the party itself.
“We must not allow the 2024 outcome to repeat itself no more ‘skirt and blouse’ voting. If Dr Bawumia fails, it means we have failed him. Let us not fail him. Let us work for him, work for the party, and work for our country,” he said.
