Dr Joshua Zaato
A lecturer with the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, has expressed optimism that the current wranglings within the opposition NPP will soon be over.
Just like any other political party, Dr. Zaato says the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is now vulnerable due to the internal elections, making candidates who hitherto worked together as colleagues “tear themselves apart” now.
Speaking on the BigIssue segment on the NewDay show on TV3 the Political Science lecturer indicated that the recent issues in the party are not peculiar to the elephant family, especially when internal polls are involved.
“Political parties are very vulnerable when they are having their internal elections. It is during that period of time when you can see brother-on-brother, friend-on-friend, relative-on-relative. Some of these people worked together, were cabinet members, sat together, and now see themselves tearing themselves apart. It’s really difficult for them,” he stated.
According to Zaato, all other political parties will get to that stage when it’s time for them to elect their leaders, making the development in the NPP a normal practice.
“The time will come, we’ll see how all political parties do this,” he stated, expressing hope that whoever wins the flag bearer race will be able to mend whatever fractures have been created.
He explained that the resolve of the leader will be tested by how he can bring the now-feuding parties together, to show how prepared he will be to lead the country, or otherwise, if elected President. “My hope and prayer is that these internal fights will test the resolve of the leader that emerges,” he stated.
The NPP, as part of its reforms after losing the December 2024 elections, has resolved to elect its flag bearer ahead of constituency and polling station executives, reversing its previous practice.
This was part of the proposal by the nine-member Constitution Amendment Committee, led by Frank Davies, which was formed by the National Council of the party to review and propose amendments to the party’s constitution following their defeat.
The committee’s report was consequently tabled in amendment motions, which were the subject of the votes at the party’s delegates conference on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Meanwhile, some key aspirants for the January 31, 2025 presidential primary have filed their nominations as the deadline is scheduled for today, Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Source
Unmute
