NPP National Council clears Afoko to contest chairmanship ahead of September delegates conference

The National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has unanimously rejected a petition that sought to disqualify former National Chairman Paul Awentami Afoko from contesting the party's national chairmanship election, affirming his eligibility to stand in the race.

The petition, brought by unidentified individuals, was placed before the Council on Thursday, 25th June 2026, by the Chairman of the party's Council of Elders. After deliberations, the Council dismissed the request outright. The grounds cited in the petition have not been made public.

Sources within the party indicate that several national and regional officers spoke against the move, with the NPP's legal team and senior leaders also reportedly arguing that there were no valid grounds to bar Mr Afoko from contesting. Many observers believe the petition was a last-minute effort to prevent his return ahead of nominations opening for national executive positions.

Afoko's '3Rs Agenda' targets unity and 2028 return

Since declaring his intention to reclaim the chairmanship, Mr Afoko has built his campaign around what he calls the '3Rs Agenda' — reuniting, rebuilding, and returning the NPP to power. His message has focused heavily on reconciliation among factions that emerged following the party's 2024 electoral defeat, as well as re-engaging disillusioned and sidelined members.

Mr Afoko has also championed greater empowerment for polling station and constituency executives, calling for improved welfare, better logistics, and stronger inclusion of grassroots members in party decision-making — all framed as essential steps to reorganise the NPP ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The party's National Delegates Conference, at which the chairmanship and other national executive positions will be contested, is scheduled for September 2026. The nominations, filing, and vetting processes are set to commence in the coming weeks.