Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says he will not publicly endorse any of the flagbearer aspirants in the NPP’s upcoming internal elections, stressing that neutrality is key to maintaining party unity and credibility.

Effutu MP, speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 27, said his position as a leader in Parliament requires restraint.

“No, I cannot publicly say I am going to campaign for this person,” he stated. “I don’t have to, because of where I sit.”

He explained that while he may have private preferences, he must remain publicly neutral to be trusted when reconciling different factions after the primaries.

“I cannot publicly… I have a role to play in the aftermath of the general 31st. I played a major role in 2023. The dynamics haven’t changed much, and where I sit, I see some work that will require a lot of energy after 31st January.

"So if I would have to play that role, show my hand openly, it will be difficult to be trusted when I am doing that midnight walking,” he said.

The Effutu MP noted that although some MPs have openly declared support for various aspirants, they have conducted themselves decently.

“Initially, my concern was how those who will declare openly will manage themselves,” he said.

“You recall that I came out openly to say that, look, let’s be very neutral. And my good reason was that after the primaries, we, the leaders in Parliament, would have to do some legwork, do what I call the midnight walking, get people together here and there.”

Afenyo-Markin added that he respects those who have chosen to declare their support publicly.

“Some disagreed. You are in a democracy. And for those who disagreed, they have chosen to go about their views decently. For me, that is commendable,” he said.

“I will continue to encourage those who are showing faces that look like I belong to Mr A or Mr B, sell the message of your candidate. For me as a leader, I cannot.”

Asked if his deputies and other parliamentary leaders were expected to follow his example, Afenyo-Markin said he has shared his position with them.

“Some have respectfully made their views known to me. They did disagree and said that, ordinarily, I would be with you, but I would want to go this way. But I will be decent, which I’ve already said is good. Some have also said, Leader, we think it’s better to keep calm and go by this approach. So we are watching, but so far, so good,” he said.

Despite differing loyalties within the caucus, he insisted that the internal competition has not affected their work in Parliament.

“I do not think that that has affected the way we work in Parliament,” he emphasised.

Reflecting on the broader significance of the primaries, Afenyo-Markin said the upcoming contest shows the party’s strength and future potential.

“We have five gentlemen of our stock, hardworking, determined, they’ve made their name in the party, so bold, courageous to say that, look, we want to take the flag and bring you victory,” he said. “That, in itself, tells me that the party has a future.”

He added that the determination of the aspirants gives him confidence in the NPP’s vitality.

“The fact that this remains that determined, that fire in their belly keeps burning, gives me assurance that there’s hope for the party. Because you see, a party that has no future will not have people wasting their time to use its brand to serve at all,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin said once the primaries end in January, the party will focus on rebranding and uniting behind its new leader.

“By 31st January, we will be done with this. A leader is chosen. Once that leader is chosen, a manifesto committee will be set up. Then the proper rebranding starts,” he said.