Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has attributed the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) weakened performance in the 2024 general elections to deep-seated internal divisions that discouraged some respected party members from voting.

Speaking at the peace pact signing ceremony for NPP presidential aspirants ahead of the January 31, 2026, primaries, Mr Afenyo-Markin warned that disunity carries serious and lasting consequences.

“Factionalism may energise internal contests, but it weakens the party’s capacity to win national elections and to govern effectively,” he said.

He expressed disappointment over remarks by former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, who publicly disclosed that he did not vote in the 2024 elections.

“I was saddened to hear the respected Professor Frimpong Boateng say publicly that he did not vote in the 2024 elections. This is what division can do to us. It is unfortunate,” he stated.

According to the Minority Leader, unity within the party must be practised, not merely preached. “Unity is not a slogan, it is a discipline to disagree without destroying one another,” he said.

He explained that genuine unity demands humility and maturity, particularly after internal elections. “It is the humility to accept outcomes we may not like and the maturity to place the national project above personal disappointment,” he noted.

Mr Afenyo-Markin cautioned that internal hostilities often rebound against the party in national contests.

“Every single insult traded, every unsubstantiated allegation, every attempt to demonise a rival today becomes a weapon in our opponent’s hand tomorrow,” he warned.

Describing the peace pact signing as a defining moment, he said the event went beyond the selection of a flagbearer. “Today is not an ordinary party ritual. It is a test of leadership and patriotism,” he said.

He stressed that the pact should guide party conduct after the primaries. “This peace pact is not only about who wins on January 31. It is about whether on 1st February and beyond, the NPP will still be strong, united and credible in the eyes of Ghanaians.”

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the public is closely watching the NPP, a party with a strong governance record. “Ghana is watching a party that has, at its best, delivered significant reforms,” he said, citing the Free SHS policy, the National Health Insurance Scheme and the One District, One Factory initiative.

However, he admitted that the party is also being perceived as divided. “Ghana is also watching a party that is anxious, polarised and yearning for competent, honest and visionary leadership,” he added.

He warned that internal divisions have always come at a high cost. “Whenever the NPP is united, it is formidable, and whenever it is divided, it bleeds, and Ghana pays the price,” he said.

According to him, the consequences of disunity extend beyond party politics to national governance. “The internal divisions ahead of the January 31 contest are not confined within the walls of this party. They spill over into the nation’s governance.”

He further noted that a divided NPP weakens Parliament. “A fractured NPP does not only risk losing another election. It weakens Parliament’s ability, especially the Minority’s ability, to stand as a bulwark against excesses, impunity, and bad governance,” he said.

The peace pact, signed by all NPP flagbearer hopefuls, forms part of efforts to preserve party cohesion and prevent internal disputes from undermining future electoral prospects.

The NPP’s presidential primary on January 31 will select the party’s candidate for the 2028 general elections, with political observers noting that early reconciliation and collaboration among aspirants could significantly strengthen the party’s chances at the national level.