There are credible reports that the rank and file of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) are very unhappy about dirty campaign being conducted by some presidential aspirants and their followers.
Consequently, the impending National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council meetings, THE CUSTODIAN has gathered, could extensively deliberate on this disturbing phenomenon to stop it from affecting the fortunes of the party in the 2024 general election.
Whilst the governing the party’s code of conduct booklet has been lauded, its enforcement remains a challenge, raising worries over the conduct of some candidates and their supporters.
Campaigning has seen instances of party rules being disregarded, leaving the NPP vulnerable to attacks from its main opponents, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after the internal contest.
For example, one of the NPP flagbearer hopefuls, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the rank and file of the party complained, has been busily firing shots at some of his contenders, particularly the camp of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Speaking to delegates of the NPP in the Kintampo East Constituency as part of his ongoing campaign tour, the Assin Central MP warned the camp of the vice president, stating he will go on full offensive if the personal attacks directed at him do not cease.
However, Mr. Kennedy Agyapong did not tell the party delegates how he was being allegedly attacked by the Bawumia camp.
“If NPP people don’t engage in a clean campaign, they will be in trouble because I will reply when you say something.
“For someone who claims to be a strategist, the dollar was GH¢4 equivalent when we took power. Today, the dollar is GH¢12. Do you think you are a strategist? Excuse me, strategist! Please,” Mr. Kennedy Agyapong apparently threw a jab at Dr. Bawumia.
His attacks have been widely condemned by many NPP faithful who believe the actions of the Assin Central MP are rising beyond tolerable levels.
The governing party’s rank and file, THE CUSTODIAN has learnt, have therefore called on the leadership of the party to publicly identify and reprimand presidential aspirants, their spokespersons, and supporters who flout the rules, as a means to ensure adherence to the code of conduct.
The NPP faithful have also entreated party’s leadership to ensure the internal attacks do not ruin their agenda of ‘breaking the 8’.
Already, some political pundits have taken to social media, condemning the conduct of some of these presidential aspirants.
“From ‘breaking the 8’ to ‘breaking themselves into pieces’ Apuuu”, one Barbara Akua Asiedu stated on her timeline.
A member and spokesperson of the nine-member national presidential vetting committee Mr. Osei Bonsu Amoah recently voiced his disapproval of the increasing tensions and mudslinging within the NPP ahead of the party’s Special Electoral College to trim the number of presidential aspirants from 10 to five.
He advised that as the NPP navigates the selection process, it is essential for all aspirants, their representatives, and supporters to uphold the party’s values and principles to preserve unity and integrity within the party.
“All aspirants are expected to follow the rules and regulations as outlined in the party’s code of conduct, and those flouting the rules will face sanctions,” Mr. O.B Amoah who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem South cautioned.
Speaking in an interview with Adom TV, the Akuapem South MP expressed concerns about the creeping animosity among supporters of various presidential aspirants, and in some cases, direct exchanges among the aspirants themselves.
“We expect candidates to conduct a clean campaign and refrain from attacking others based on identity, religion, class, or ethnicity, as clearly stated in the NPP Constitution,” he reiterated.
