Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirants and their supporters to prioritise unity, discipline and peace as the party prepares for its flagbearer contest, warning that internal division could weaken both the party and Ghana’s democracy.

Speaking at the signing of a peace pact by NPP presidential aspirants on Thursday, January 22, Mr Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the emotional toll of being in opposition but stressed that regaining power depends on cohesion rather than conflict. “Power does not come through division. Power comes through discipline. Power comes through unity. Power comes through sacrifice,” he said.

Addressing party faithful and aspirants, the Minority Leader urged restraint in campaign conduct, noting that leadership behaviour often shapes actions at the grassroots. “Let us rise above anger. Let us rise above insults. Let us rise above short-term emotions for long-term victory,” he added, calling on the party to close ranks after the contest and work together towards the 2028 general election.

Mr Afenyo-Markin framed internal party elections as more than individual contests, describing them as tests of institutional strength and shared values. He said the decision to emphasise peace at this stage was timely, arguing that stability within political parties ultimately contributes to national stability.

He also appealed to aspirants to guide their supporters responsibly. “The tone you set will be a tone that filters down to the grassroots. When leaders speak with restraint, supporters listen with restraint,” he noted, urging campaigns to be conducted with civility and respect for party rules.

The Minority Leader warned that prolonged infighting could undermine the NPP’s effectiveness in Parliament, particularly its ability as the Minority to hold the government to account. He cautioned that a divided party risks weakening parliamentary oversight and giving the governing side “a free pass” on issues of corruption, economic hardship and governance.

Referencing the party’s history, Mr Afenyo-Markin said unity has always been central to the NPP’s electoral success, while division has come at a cost. He urged members to learn from past experiences and avoid turning the January 31 contest into what he described as a “festival of insult” rather than a contest of ideas.

Ahead of the vote, he called on aspirants to respect agreed processes, obey security directives and reject violence, intimidation and vote-buying. He also stressed the importance of accepting the outcome with dignity and rallying behind the eventual flagbearer.

“A peace pact that ends with signatures, but not with changed behaviour, is a betrayal of this moment,” he said, outlining commitments including refraining from personal attacks, resolving grievances through party structures, and integrating talents from all camps into a single campaign.

Mr Afenyo-Markin appealed to party members at all levels to resist being used as instruments of division, insisting that a united NPP is essential not only for electoral success but also for strengthening Parliament’s role in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy.