Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has revealed that although he has a personal preference in the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer race, he will not publicly endorse any candidate, citing the need to maintain neutrality in his leadership role.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday, October 27, the Effutu MP explained that his decision to remain publicly neutral stems from his duty to preserve unity within the party and foster reconciliation after the primaries.
“I cannot publicly say I am going to campaign for this person,” he stated.
“I don’t have to, because of where I sit… I cannot publicly—but privately, can you stay there? I cannot publicly. I have a role to play in the aftermath.”
Afenyo-Markin noted that openly supporting a candidate could compromise his credibility when the time comes to reconcile factions and rebuild trust within the party post-election.
“If I would have to play that role, showing my hand openly, it will be difficult to be trusted when I am doing that midnight walking. So I think it’s appropriate to stay that way,” he added.
The Minority Leader described the NPP’s internal flagbearer race as a “big deal” that demonstrates the vibrancy and depth of talent within the party. He commended the five aspirants for their boldness and commitment to the NPP’s future.
“They’ve made their name in the party, so bold and courageous to say that, look, we want to take the flag and bring you victory. That tells me that the party has a future,” he remarked.
Addressing concerns about potential divisions among MPs supporting different aspirants, Afenyo-Markin dismissed fears of internal rancour, noting that members of Parliament have conducted themselves with maturity and decorum.
“So far, the MPs who have declared in one way or the other have been decent. Initially, my concern was how those who will declare openly will manage themselves,” he said.
He emphasised that his earlier call for neutrality among parliamentary leaders was not a rebuke but a strategic move to ensure post-primary cohesion.
“Let’s be very neutral… to make yourself a credible referee who would be trusted by various factions,” he advised.
While acknowledging that some MPs disagreed with his stance and chose to publicly endorse specific candidates, he commended them for doing so respectfully and responsibly.
“For me, that is commendable, and I will continue to encourage those who are showing faces that look like, ‘I belong to Mr A or Mr B,’ to sell the message of their candidate,” he added.
Afenyo-Markin described the ongoing flagbearer contest as evidence of a vibrant and forward-looking political party, asserting that such competition signals strength rather than division.
“A party that has no future will not have people wasting their time to use its brand to serve at all. They would go independent. So that, in itself, is a good start for us,” he said.
He expressed optimism that once the NPP selects its new leader, the party will embark on a rebranding and renewal process to align with the leader’s vision and the NPP’s broader ideological direction.
“By 31st January, we will be done with this. A leader is chosen. Then the proper rebranding starts,” he concluded.
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