From Opare Addo, our Ashanti regional bureau chief reports
The internal cohesion of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is facing a fresh wave of turbulence as group of grassroots supporters who identify themselves as loyalists of former Assin Central Member of Parliament, Hon. Kennedy Agyepong have threatened to abandon the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia should the current leadership fail to resolve internal grievances.
The group maintained that they don’t feel comfortable about the turn of events in the party especially about the act of dictatorship that have characterized party stalwarts on electoral issues.
The group said espite their initial disappointment following Mr. Agyepong’s defeat in the NPP presidential primary they collectively resolved to support Dr. Bawumia’s 2028 presidential bid in the interest of party’s unity.
However those intentions are now hanging in the balance.
The group’s spokesperson Kofi Ababrese a well known advocate for Kennedy Agyepong in Kumasi pointed to the recent polling station agents exercise as evidence that party leadership are operating with a high handed approach.
It is becoming clear that dictatorship reigns supreme in the NPP, Ababrese stated.
He v reiterated that some individuals are treating the party as if it is their personal property.
We cannot stand by while the structures of the party are manipulated to benefit a select few, Agyepong’s supporters indicated.
The group highlighted the significant point to a perceived silence of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia regarding these internal disputes.
Ababrese alleged that the flagbearer’s failure to intervene in what he termed as unconstitutional attitudes by party leaders suggests a level of complicity.
We are deeply worried by the continuous silence of Dr. Bawumia, Ababrese said.
His refusal to speak out against these irregularities makes it appear as though the confusion is actually being orchestrated to his advantage.
If he cannot lead the party towards unity now, how can he lead the nation
The group issued a stark warning to the party hierarchy, suggesting that if transparency and peace are not returned to the NPP, the consequences at the polls would be dire.
We cannot afford to witness second defeat Ababrese warned.
If the leadership intends to collapse the party and walk away to enjoy the monies allegedly stashed during the Akufo Addo administration we will not remain silent.
We are demanding immediate steps towards unity, peace and total transparency.
The group concluded with a provocative ultimatumby stating that if their grievances remain unaddressed they are prepared to shift tactics.
Either we declare a political revolution within the NPP to demand a change in leadership, or we will resort to a ‘rough game’ and ditch the party entirely in the 2028 general elections.
The Ashanti Region has long been the political bedrock of the NPP and should this faction of Kennedy Agyepong supporters follow through on their threats, it could signal a significant loss of grassroots mobilization power for Dr. Bawumia in the next elections.
