Former NPP Chairman Freddie Blay has offered Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin a qualified vote of confidence, arguing that the Effutu MP is performing his parliamentary role well and should not be removed from his position at least for now.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Joy News' Gemma Appiah, Blay made clear that his opposition to any immediate removal is grounded in a straightforward assessment of Afenyo-Markin's performance on the job, not merely political convenience.

"He shouldn't be removed for now. For now, yes, because he's doing well," Blay said. "So far, so good — the leadership will do well. Leave it there for a moment."

Some Bawumia loyalists reportedly pushed for consequences against Afenyo-Markin over his perceived failure to actively support the flagbearer during the NPP's January 2026 presidential primary.

Afenyo-Markin has been widely credited with mounting an aggressive and organised opposition in Parliament since the NPP lost power following the December 2024 general election, holding the Mahama administration to account on key policy and governance matters.

However, Blay was careful not to offer Afenyo-Markin unconditional protection.

When pressed on the meaning of "for now" and when the calculus might change, the former chairman deflected, insisting that such decisions belong to the party as a whole.

"The party decides to make some such changes based on various factors. If they find it necessary. At the moment, no," he said.