Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has cautioned that internal divisions continue to pose the greatest threat to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) electoral fortunes, describing disunity as the party’s enduring “slow poison”.

He argued that the party’s history shows a clear pattern: whenever cracks emerge within its ranks, electoral defeat follows, irrespective of the strength of its policies or leadership.

He therefore called on party faithful to close ranks and work collectively to reclaim power in the 2028 general elections.

Speaking at a convention of key NPP stakeholders in the Effutu Constituency following the party’s flagbearer contest, Mr Afenyo-Markin urged members to unite firmly behind former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, stressing the need for a shared vision, consistent messaging and a common purpose that resonates from the national level down to the grassroots.

He warned against a repeat of the 2024 elections, where what he described as “skirt and blouse” voting significantly weakened the party’s chances at the polls, and reminded members that history offers clear lessons on the cost of internal fragmentation.

Reflecting on past elections, he noted that divisions within the Danquah-Busia tradition in 1979, which resulted in the formation of the UNC and PFP, ultimately enabled the PNP under Hilla Limann to win power. Similar internal rifts, he added, contributed to the party’s defeats in 1992, 1996, 2008 and 2012.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the NPP’s defeats have always coincided with moments when factional interests overshadowed collective responsibility, while the party’s victories in 2000, 2004, 2016 and 2020 demonstrated the power of unity and discipline.

He stressed that the path to success is already well known, noting that unity remains the lifeblood of the NPP, while disunity steadily erodes its prospects.

Mr Afenyo-Markin concluded by urging members nationwide to commit wholeheartedly to the task ahead, warning that failing to support the party’s flagbearer would amount to failing the party itself.

“We must not allow the 2024 result to repeat itself, no more ‘skirt and blouse’ voting. If Dr Bawumia fails, it is we who have failed him. Let us not fail him. Let us work for him, work for the party, and work for our country,” he said.