Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to shun religious and tribal sentiments as the party prepares to elect a flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
Addressing the launch of the party’s new think tank, the Patriotic Institute, on Wednesday, June 25, Kufuor stressed the need for the NPP to stay true to democratic principles and select a candidate capable of providing real solutions to the country’s challenges.
His appeal follows rising internal tensions and personal attacks among some aspirants, sparked by the party’s recent announcement that its flagbearer election will take place on January 31, 2026.
With early competition intensifying, the former president reminded the party faithful to prioritize competence over division.
“We are a democratic party, and we uphold common humanity. In a democracy, we don’t go for tribe or religion or gender, but for the individual. It is one man, one vote, and if we want power, we have to present a person who will be convincing to the generality of the electorate,” he noted.
The former president stressed that the candidate’s ability to address the everyday struggles of Ghanaians should be the party’s primary concern.
He cautioned against identity politics, warning that it feeds into damaging perceptions about the party.
“We’ve been brushed by our opponents as a tribal party and these days, we are even adding religion. If these things come from our own mouths, then I tell you, we are perpetuating it ourselves,” he said.
The NPP has officially announced Saturday, January 31, 2026, as the date for its presidential primary to elect a flagbearer for the 2028 general election.
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