A coalition comprising New Patriotic Party (NPP) youth groups in the Yendi Constituency of the Northern Region has issued a plea to the NPP parliamentary candidate, Hajia Abibata Shani Mahama, urging her to refrain from pursuing an independent candidacy if the party does not rerun its botched parliamentary primary.
Expressing their concerns, the coalition emphasized that such a decision could potentially weaken the party’s strength and jeopardize its prospects in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The call comes in response to warnings from supporters of Hajia Abibata Mahama, who suggested the possibility of an independent candidate emerging from the NPP in Yendi.
During a press conference held in Yendi on Thursday, the Secretary of the coalition, Sumani Saaka Rafiu, emphasized their stance, stating that while some members of the coalition support Hajia Abibata, they collectively reject the idea of fielding an independent candidate. Rafiu stressed that any move towards independent candidacy would lead to their withdrawal of support, emphasizing their allegiance to the NPP.
“We wish to make it clear that while some members of our coalition support Hajia Abibata, we as a collective group do not endorse or support the idea of fielding an independent candidate and we completely disassociate ourselves from it. Some of the members of our youth groups support Hajia Abibata because she’s NPP and we shall separate ways should she decide to embark on an independent ticket path. We are NPP,” he stated.
Highlighting the potential repercussions of such actions, Rafiu emphasized that pursuing an independent candidacy would undermine the party’s unity and diminish its chances of electoral success, particularly when Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the flagbearer.
“We believe that such a move will only serve to weaken our party and undermine our chances in the upcoming elections. More so, when Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the flagbearer, such actions greatly impact his chances of breaking the 8,” he added.
Rafiu further expressed the coalition’s trust in the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to address the issue appropriately, affirming their commitment to support any final decision made by the NEC.
The statement by the coalition underscores the importance of party cohesion and adherence to internal processes, reflecting the broader efforts to maintain unity and focus within the NPP as the country approaches the 2024 elections.