The National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the party’s second-highest decision-making body, has unanimously rejected a petition seeking to prevent Mr. Paul Awentami Afoko from contesting the position of National Chairman.
The petition, filed by unknown individual(s), was tabled during the Council’s meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026, by the Chairman of the Council of Elders.
However, it faced strong opposition from multiple speakers, including national and regional executives, and was ultimately dismissed outright. The Council affirmed that the former National Chairman meets all qualifications to contest the upcoming election.
The contents of the petition were not disclosed publicly.
However, party sources indicated that the move was viewed as a last-ditch attempt to derail Mr. Afoko’s candidacy following his recent declaration of intent to seek the chairmanship ahead of the National Delegates’ Conference scheduled for September 2026.
According to reports, the party’s legal team and several senior leaders present at the meeting strongly opposed the petition, describing it as lacking merit.
Nominations, filing, and vetting for national officers are expected to commence shortly.
Since announcing his bid, Mr. Afoko has centered his campaign on themes of party unity, reconciliation, and healing the divisions within the NPP. His “3Rs Agenda” — Reuniting, Rebuilding, and Returning to power — has been a focal point during his ongoing tour of constituencies across the country.
The former chairman has emphasised the need to mend factions that emerged after the 2024 general elections leadership crisis, reintegrate sidelined or departed members, and restore the party’s grassroots strength.
He has pledged greater empowerment and respect for polling station executives, constituency executives, and ordinary members, alongside improved welfare support, logistics, and inclusive decision-making processes.
Mr. Afoko is positioning himself as the candidate best placed to reorganise the party’s base and lead it back to victory in future elections.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
