Executive Director of the African Institute of Strategic Studies (AISS), political analyst and lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Dr Jonathan Asante Otchere, has expressed doubt about the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) preparedness for the 2028 general elections following the party’s recent national executive elections.
According to Dr Asante Otchere, developments surrounding the NPP’s internal elections, constitutional amendments, leadership structure and selection of parliamentary candidates send worrying signals about the party’s readiness to return to power.
Speaking on Ahotor 92.3FM’s political talk show Simpieso through a phone-in interview with Emmanuel Martey, Dr Asante Otchere questioned the rationale behind some of the constitutional changes made by the NPP, particularly the decision concerning who should become the leader of the party while it is in opposition.
He noted that the NPP had previously amended its constitution to make the flagbearer the leader when the party is in government, but has now made another adjustment that, in his view, raises questions about the motivation behind the decision.
According to him, the timing of the amendment and the circumstances surrounding it could give the impression that the change was designed to prevent particular individuals from gaining influence within the party.
He said one of the major questions emerging from the development was the legal and constitutional basis for making the National Chairman the leader of the party.
Dr Asante Otchere argued that the NPP must be able to clearly explain why it changed the arrangement and subsequently reverted to an earlier position.
Questions over John Boadu’s election
The political analyst also questioned the decision by delegates to elect John Boadu as National Chairman, particularly considering that Mr Boadu had previously lost a contest for the position of General Secretary.
He said if the factors that influenced delegates to reject Mr Boadu in that earlier contest had not changed significantly, it was necessary to understand what motivated delegates to support him this time.
Recent reports have similarly quoted Dr Asante Otchere as describing the election of John Boadu as a wrong decision, arguing that the factors that previously worked against him had not substantially changed.
Dr Asante Otchere also questioned the political stature of the NPP’s new National Chairman when compared with NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
He said such a comparison should be based on political pedigree, experience, gravitas and the value each leader brings to his respective party.
Concerns over money in internal elections
Dr Asante Otchere further raised concerns about the influence of money in the NPP’s internal elections.
He suggested that if delegates’ decisions are increasingly influenced by financial inducements, the party risks preventing competent people without substantial financial resources from emerging as leaders.
He therefore urged the NPP to ensure that its internal democratic processes reward competence, experience and commitment to the party rather than financial strength.
Concerns over First Vice Chairman
Dr Asante Otchere also questioned the conduct and campaign messages associated with the newly elected First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Boadu, popularly known as Kojo Bamba.
He questioned whether it was appropriate for a national First Vice Chairman to present himself as someone who would protect delegates’ ballots and votes.
“Is that the job of a First Vice Chairman? Is that the job of the appointed First Vice Chairman of the party at the national level?” he asked.
According to him, such statements raise questions about the role of national executives and the extent to which party officials should be involved in issues surrounding delegates’ voting decisions.
Questions over parliamentary candidate selection
Dr Asante Otchere further criticised what he described as attempts to select or promote parliamentary candidates without sufficient scientific evidence.
He said the NPP should conduct independent and credible research to determine the electoral strength of prospective parliamentary candidates rather than relying on assumptions or internal political calculations.
“As somebody who subscribes to data, I cannot appreciate the fact that there must be a proper survey to be done independently by a certain company,” he stated.
He argued that political parties need credible data to establish whether a candidate who performs well internally can also win votes in the general election.
He cautioned that imposing candidates or forcing particular agendas on party members could alienate sections of the party and ultimately affect its electoral fortunes.
NPP not ready for 2028
Dr Asante Otchere said the combination of the internal leadership contest, constitutional changes, money politics and concerns over parliamentary candidate selection gives him little confidence that the NPP is currently prepared for the 2028 election.
“These are signals down the spine of the NPP. They are not ready for the 2028 election,” he said.
He maintained that the NPP must critically examine its internal processes and leadership choices if it wants to rebuild the party following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
The NPP elected John Boadu as National Chairman, while Justin Kodua Frimpong retained the General Secretary position at its National Delegates Conference held in Kumasi on October 3, 2026.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
