Freddie Blay, the former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said he sees nothing wrong in the ongoing campaign activities by the party ahead of the presidential primary scheduled for January 31.
The former NPP chairman highlighted that the rising tensions among some flagbearer hopefuls within the party are healthy and a useful rehearsal for the 2028 general election.
According to Freddie Blay, hard words don’t break any bones, adding that some party members may have crossed the red line in their rhetoric, but that won’t divide the party.
He further dismissed claims that the internal contest could lead to disunity after January 31.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Tuesday, January 27, Freddie Blay stated, “It has been so good and very competitive. It is a rehearsal for the main battle ahead of us. The battle against our main opposition, the NDC.
Hard words don’t break any bones, it tells a story, the people using the hard words and those listening. It all adds up to the chemistry of bringing out the best character among the aspirants. I find nothing wrong so far,” he added.
Meanwhile, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in parliament, has warned the NPP that every single insult traded, every unsubstantiated allegation, every attempt to demonise a rival becomes a weapon for their opponent’s tomorrow.
According to Afenyo-Markin, factionalism may energise internal contests, but it weakens the party’s capacity to win national elections.
He further added that he was saddened to hear Professor Frimpong Boateng say publicly that he did not vote in the 2024 elections.
Speaking at the signing of a peace pact by NPP flagbearer aspirants, Afenyo-Markin state, “Factionalism may energise internal contests, but it weakens the party’s capacity to win national elections and to govern effectively. 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”.
“Unity is not a slogan, it is a discipline to disagree without destroying one another,” he said.
“It is the humility to accept outcomes we may not like and the maturity to place the national project above personal disappointment. 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.
The minority leader further touched on the peace pact saying, “Today is not an ordinary party ritual. It is a test of leadership and patriotism. 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.”
“Ghana is watching a party that has, at its best, delivered significant reforms. Ghana is also watching a party that is anxious, polarised and yearning for competent, honest and visionary leadership. Whenever the NPP is united, it is formidable, and whenever it is divided, it bleeds, and Ghana pays the price,” he said.
“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.