NPP Presidential Primary Not Schemed to Favor Bawumia – Dr. Ayew Afriye
Effiduase Asokore MP defends early primary decision, says internal reforms aim to unify party—not promote any candidate
- Dr. Ayew Afriye denies claims that the early NPP primary favors Vice President Bawumia
- Early primary aims to curb corruption, flamboyant campaigns, and internal divisions
- Effiduase Asokore constituents back Bawumia
Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, has refuted claims that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) upcoming early presidential primary is designed to give Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia an unfair advantage.
Speaking in an interview on the Ghana Se Sen Show on Lawson TV/Radio on Monday, June 30, 2025, Dr. Ayew Afriye dismissed growing speculation within the political space that the January 31, 2026 primary is being manipulated to favor Dr. Bawumia’s re-election bid as the party’s flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections.
“The presidential reforms are not schemed to favor Bawumia,” Dr. Ayew Afriye stated firmly. “Rebuking MPs for endorsing Bawumia is unfair. The political party doesn’t belong to any one person.”
He emphasized that the decision to hold the primary early was a strategic move by the party to curb internal challenges, particularly mischief, division, and corruption that often arise during prolonged campaign periods.
“The early presidential primary will kill mischief and corruption. It will eliminate flamboyant campaigning, unnecessary billboards, and reckless political spending,” he said.
Dr. Ayew Afriye also addressed concerns about division within the party, attributing some of the challenges to disunity at the leadership level.
“The party is now divided from the top instead of the grassroots, unlike those days. We must be careful – Ghanaians are deep and take stock of whatever we do,” he warned.
Reflecting on the NPP’s performance in the 2024 general elections, the Effiduase Asokore MP noted a general decline in voter confidence, saying all candidates, regardless of their position, saw reduced performance.
On Dr. Bawumia’s popularity, especially within his own constituency, Dr. Ayew Afriye said support remains strong and genuine.
“The people of Effiduase Asokore love Bawumia. They have understood politics and want him to be the flagbearer again. They’ve embraced the top-down approach, and we’re seeing peace because of it,” he said.
He urged fellow party members to show restraint in their political commentary, warning that harmful statements could have lasting impacts.
“Don’t go and insult or attack someone based on rumors. Your utterances will come back to haunt you. The person may forgive you, but deep down, they’ll be hurt,” he cautioned.
Despite admitting that early primaries alone cannot guarantee victory in 2028, Dr. Ayew Afriye maintained that it is a necessary reform to bring order to the party’s internal processes.
“I can’t guarantee the success of the party will depend on this, but for now, that’s why we’ve decided to go this way. It’s a proactive step to avoid chaos.”
He concluded with a call for unity, asserting that while the NPP may be facing challenges, it remains structurally intact.
“Things have slanted, but they’re not broken. We just need to realign ourselves and move forward together.”
