NPP presidential primary: Let campaigns reflect your vision, not rivalries - Former President Akufo-Addo urges aspirants
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged presidential aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to conduct their campaigns in a healthy, issue-based manner that reflects their individual visions for the party and the nation, rather than personal rivalries.
This is to prevent divisions and bitterness that often arise during competitive primaries.
Former President Akufo-Addo made the call yesterday when he hosted the five NPP flagbearer aspirants at a breakfast meeting in his private residence in Accra.
The former President urged the aspirants to focus on their visions rather than rivalries, in an intervention that seeks to preserve party unity, ensure a credible internal process, and position the NPP as a strong, united front for the 2028 elections.
The gathering was aimed at promoting unity and camaraderie among the aspirants ahead of the party’s presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026.
Attendees
The aspirants at the meeting were Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr Bryan Acheampong, former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.
The meeting also brought together senior party figures, including the Chairman of the NPP Council of Elders, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang; acting National Chairman, Danquah Smith Buttey; the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong; the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and former Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
The meeting was characterised by frank discussions, mutual respect, and a shared resolve to protect the integrity and unity of the NPP.
Appreciation
Former President Akufo-Addo expressed appreciation to the aspirants for honouring his invitation despite their demanding campaign schedules, describing their gesture as a mark of respect and collective commitment to the future of the NPP.
He reminded the gathering that he had worked closely with each of the aspirants at different stages of their political careers and continues to hold them in high regard for their contributions to the party and national development.
Former President Akufo-Addo emphasised that their individual aspirations should be anchored in the collective progress of the NPP and the country at large.
“I encourage you to conduct your campaigns in a healthy, issue-based manner that focuses on presenting your visions to the party delegates,” he advised.
The former President reiterated that his overriding interest is the unity and credibility of the NPP, and called on the party’s leadership to guarantee a fair, transparent and credible internal election process.
Mr Akufo-Addo added that this would not only preserve internal harmony but also strengthen the party’s electoral fortunes in the 2028 polls.
In a symbolic demonstration of solidarity, all five presidential aspirants pledged to maintain a decorous and competitive campaign atmosphere devoid of personal attacks.
They also assured the former President that they and their campaign teams would rally behind whoever would emerge as the party’s flag bearer after the primary.
