The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is battling internal chaos following its shocking defeat in the Akwatia by-election, an outcome that has sent ripples of anger and frustration across the party’s rank and file. Reports from party insiders suggest that the NPP’s national headquarters in Accra became the scene of fiery confrontations on Friday, as aggrieved supporters and grassroots organizers openly expressed their disappointment and pinned the blame on Vice President and party flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The by-election loss has been described as a major political blow, given Akwatia’s reputation as a fiercely contested seat. Many NPP members believe that Dr. Bawumia’s inability to effectively mobilize support, coupled with what they called “weak grassroots engagement,” contributed heavily to the outcome. Some party supporters accused him of sidelining local structures and relying too heavily on national-level strategies that failed to resonate with the electorate.
Eyewitnesses at the party headquarters recounted heated exchanges among supporters, with frustrations boiling over into near physical confrontations. Some described the atmosphere as “tense and fiery,” adding that the loss has deepened already existing divisions within the party. Senior executives were forced to step in quickly to restore calm and prevent the situation from escalating further.
In response, party leadership has appealed for unity, urging members to avoid finger-pointing and instead focus on lessons from the defeat. According to a statement issued later in the evening, the NPP will conduct a comprehensive review of the by-election campaign to identify shortcomings and realign its strategies ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Meanwhile, opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters have been in jubilant mood, hailing the victory as evidence of a shifting political tide in their favor.
Political analysts warn that if the NPP fails to manage its internal wrangling and rebuild confidence at the grassroots, the Akwatia defeat could be a troubling sign of deeper electoral setbacks to come.
Source
From Opera News
