Afenyo-Markin denies influencing voters in NPP flagbearer race

The Minority Leader in Parliament and Effutu Member of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly denied allegations that he positioned himself near a polling booth in Winneba to influence voters during the New Patriotic Party’s ongoing flagbearer election.

In a statement issued on Saturday, January 31, the Minority Leader described the claims as baseless and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, insisting that his conduct throughout the internal party contest has been in strict conformity with both Electoral Commission and party guidelines.

“At no time have I been anywhere near the voting area as claimed, nor have I engaged in any conduct that could be construed, even remotely, as undue influence,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.

He explained that his presence in the Effutu constituency on voting day was limited to casting his ballot and carrying out what he described as lawful oversight, in line with the rules governing the exercise.

Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that the allegation forms part of a broader pattern of what he called orchestrated attempts by political opponents to undermine him since the start of the flagbearer contest. He recalled a previous incident following the signing of the NPP peace pact in Accra on January 22, 2026, where a manipulated video circulated online, allegedly portraying him as having refused to applaud a particular candidate.

“These vile tactics are as transparent as they are desperate,” he stated.

The Minority Leader cautioned that the spread of misinformation during a sensitive political process could undermine public confidence and threaten the integrity of the exercise. He therefore urged the Electoral Commission, security agencies and all political actors to prioritise peace and transparency as the contest progresses.

“Crass fabrications such as these only seek to sow discord and undermine voter confidence,” he added, calling for a free, fair and credible process.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also invited journalists and independent observers to independently verify events at the polling centres in Winneba, noting that media coverage on the ground offers objective and factual accounts of proceedings.