The national chairmanship bid of former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman, Paul Afoko, is facing strong resistance within sections of the party, amid allegations that his political comeback is driven more by a desire for revenge than a genuine commitment to rebuilding the party.
Party insiders have told The Archives that some influential figures and kingmakers are uncomfortable with Mr. Afoko’s decision to seek the highest executive office again, arguing that his return could reopen old wounds and deepen existing divisions.
According to sources, many within the party believe Mr. Afoko has not genuinely moved past his controversial indefinite suspension in 2015 and should not be entrusted with the party’s top leadership position if elected at the National Delegates Conference scheduled for September.
They contend that before seeking another leadership mandate, the former National Chairman should focus on rebuilding trust and reconciling with party faithful who still associate his tenure with one of the most turbulent periods in the NPP’s history.
The Archives understands that, intense internal discussions are ongoing regarding Mr. Afoko’s candidature, with concerns that his return could undermine the party’s efforts to reposition itself ahead of the 2028 general election and potentially affect the prospects of the flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
There are also fears that, an Afoko-led administration could trigger another round of internal upheaval at the party’s national headquarters, with persons perceived to have supported his removal in 2015, particularly those aligned with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, likely to become targets of political retribution.
According to party sources, such a development could reignite internal wrangling, weaken party cohesion and ultimately undermine the NPP’s chances in the 2028 general election.
Some insiders also believe the party’s structures, from polling station executives to constituency officers could become deeply factionalised under his leadership, citing the popular political adage – “New king, new laws.”
Others have questioned the timing of Mr. Afoko’s comeback, arguing that his renewed interest in the chairmanship appears to be motivated more by personal political ambition and a desire to settle old scores than by a genuine commitment to leading the party.
According to the sources, Mr. Afoko remained largely absent from frontline party activities following his removal as National Chairman and only resurfaced after deciding to contest for the party’s top position.
Some party stalwarts contrasted his conduct with that of former General Secretary Kwabena Agyapong, who, despite facing his own political setbacks, continued to campaign and work for the NPP in successive elections.
Afoko Responds
Meanwhile, speaking on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Accra, during the formal announcement of his bid for the NPP National Chairmanship and the unveiling of his vision for the party, Mr. Afoko insisted that he has forgiven those who played various roles in his indefinite suspension and is now focused on helping rebuild the party ahead of the 2028 general election.
Mr. Afoko, who was suspended by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in October 2015 following recommendations by its Disciplinary Committee, admitted that he was deeply hurt by the decision but said he has since moved on.
Reflecting on the episode, he said: “I wouldn’t lie that I wasn’t angry at some point. I was. At the time of the suspensions, yes, I was angry. Because I was angry that a mandate that had been given to me by the party was yanked away from me by a few people.”
He, however, maintained that dwelling on the past would not help the party overcome its current challenges.
“But that’s gone. The state of the party will not allow us to dwell on emotions. Emotions must give way to thinking, to strategic thinking, to how we can help our party to come out of this situation,” he said, adding, “I have forgiven completely. God knows my heart. My heart is clean and clear.”
Mr. Afoko also cautioned party members against destructive factionalism, warning that internal divisions could derail the NPP’s quest to return to power.
“Anybody who sits within this party and thinks that factionalism is good for the party, and I mean the negative aspects of factionalism, that person doesn’t love NPP,” he said.
While acknowledging that differences of opinion are inevitable in any democratic political party, he urged members to channel their disagreements constructively.
“Let’s have healthy debate within our party. That is where we distill ideas and come out with something wonderful,” he added.
More To Come…
