The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has intervened in a recent internal party strife within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the selection of a running mate for the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Addressing the controversy sparked by Asante Akim North MP Andy Appiah-Kubi’s remarks regarding the potential selection of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh as Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate, Afenyo-Markin stressed unity and mutual respect among party members.
“We should all respect party rules. You cannot go out of your way to describe your colleague in an unacceptable manner,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of measured language in intra-party discussions.
The Asante Akim North MP had expressed reservations about Dr Opoku Prempeh’s acceptability across the NPP base, particularly among MPs, suggesting potential challenges in his ability to effectively campaign and secure votes in various constituencies.
Afenyo-Markin, while acknowledging diverse opinions within the party, reiterated his confidence in the NPP’s leadership and decision-making processes, particularly regarding the selection of a running mate.
“The flagbearer, Dr Bawumia, has the confidence of the party and I believe he will use the structures of the party in making his decisions,” Afenyo-Markin affirmed, underlining the role of established party structures in guiding such crucial decisions.
The Majority Leader’s intervention comes amidst growing internal tensions and debate within the NPP ahead of the upcoming elections, highlighting the delicate balancing act required to maintain party cohesion while navigating differing viewpoints on key strategic decisions.