Afenyo-Markin urges discipline, unity ahead of NPP flagbearer race

Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has appealed to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to exercise restraint, discipline, and mutual respect as the party prepares for its flagbearer contest scheduled for January 31, 2026.

He cautioned that reckless conduct could deepen the party’s post-election challenges.

Delivering a Christmas message on Thursday, December 25, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the party’s recent electoral defeat must serve as a turning point rather than a source of prolonged division. According to him, the reflection that followed the loss should now evolve into purposeful action grounded in unity and responsibility.

He stressed that the internal contest ahead is not merely about selecting a candidate but about safeguarding the party’s identity, values, and long-term credibility. In his view, how party members conduct themselves during this period will significantly influence public perception and the party’s ability to recover lost ground.

The Minority Leader cautioned aspirants and their supporters against actions that could erode trust within the party or damage its moral standing, insisting that internal competition must not come at the expense of cohesion.

“Let us treat one another and our cherished traditions as sacred. What our forebears taught through their sweat and blood, I dare say, no party member must undermine,” he said.
“Let us not act in any way that will destroy the unity, credibility, and moral authority of our party. Rather, let us build carefully and faithfully on the strong foundations laid by our leaders.”

Mr. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that unity remains the most valuable lesson from the party’s recent electoral experience. He noted that political success is rarely achieved through fragmentation and internal hostility, but rather through sacrifice and commitment to the collective interest.

Reflecting on the mood within the party since the election, he urged members to move beyond expressions of sympathy and disappointment and begin the hard work of rebuilding.

“My dear patriots, the time for sympathy has passed, and the time for action has now arrived,” he stated.

He further explained that unity must become a guiding principle rather than a campaign slogan, shaping internal dialogue, decision-making, and strategy as the party charts its path forward.

“As a party, we should have learned an important lesson, which is that unity is worth fighting for and sacrificing for. The pursuit of unity leads to victory. These lessons must now guide our conduct, choices and conversations,” he added.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin described the current moment as a defining phase in the NPP’s history, stressing that the discipline and maturity displayed during the flagbearer race will determine whether the party emerges stronger or more divided.

He concluded by urging party faithful to approach the months ahead with humility and respect, expressing confidence that a united and focused NPP can rebuild its strength and reposition itself effectively for future electoral contests.