Justin Kodua Files Nomination to Seek Second Term as NPP General Secretary

New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, has formally filed his nomination to seek a second term in office, pledging to build on ongoing reforms and lead the party’s organisational rebuilding ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Addressing party members and supporters after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua said his decision was driven by a desire to complete the rebuilding process he believes has already begun under his leadership.

He described himself as “prepared, well-positioned and focused” to serve another term, arguing that his experience at the party’s national secretariat and close engagement with its grassroots structures had equipped him for the task ahead.

According to him, the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections was painful but should serve as a lesson rather than destroy the party’s political tradition.

“Defeat must never destroy a noble political tradition. Defeat must teach us golden lessons. Defeat must humble us,” he said, stressing that the party must use the experience to identify its weaknesses, correct its mistakes and rebuild for a return to power.

Kodua highlights reforms

Mr Kodua pointed to a number of reforms undertaken during his tenure as evidence of progress within the party.

He cited the establishment of a functional legal directorate, efforts to strengthen internal democracy, constitutional reforms, an expanded communications structure, the operationalisation of the Patriotic Institute and the revival of the party’s Sector Committees.

He also mentioned work on the Executive Manual and the establishment of structures for continuous political strategy and election preparation.

“These are not slogans. They are structures. They are reforms. They are foundations upon which we must now build,” he said.

Mr Kodua further defended the decision to elect the party’s presidential candidate early, arguing that the move had helped reduce uncertainty and allowed the NPP to concentrate on rebuilding after the 2024 defeat.

He said the party was now in a better position to organise around a common objective ahead of 2028.

Campaign focused on 2028

A major theme of Mr Kodua’s second-term bid is early preparation for the 2028 elections.

He argued that victory in 2028 would depend on work undertaken long before election year.

“2028 will not be won in 2028. That preparation must begin now,” he stated.

He promised to prioritise the mobilisation and transparent distribution of campaign resources, particularly to constituency structures that he said were at the frontline of the party’s electoral operations.

He also proposed early processes for the selection of parliamentary candidates, arguing that the party needed sufficient time to resolve internal contests, reconcile differences and campaign as a united force before the general election.

In addition, he pledged coordinated training and orientation for party officers from the polling-station level through to the national leadership.

He said his vision was to create a party in which officers were not merely appointed to positions but were properly equipped to understand and perform their responsibilities.

Promises stronger welfare system

Mr Kodua also placed the welfare of party activists and officers at the centre of his campaign, acknowledging concerns among members who have sacrificed resources, time and livelihoods for the NPP.

He called for a stronger relationship between the party and any future NPP government, arguing that party structures and activists should not be neglected after helping the party win political power.

“The welfare of our officers must matter. Their development must matter. Their opportunities must matter. Their dignity must matter,” he said.

He pledged to work with the party’s presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and other leaders to ensure that the concerns of party structures are given greater attention.

Appeals for unity

The NPP General Secretary also used his address to appeal for unity following internal contests.

He said party members who had opposed his first-term bid were not treated as enemies after the election, arguing that internal elections should not permanently divide members.

“Our internal contests must never become permanent wars. After each internal election, we should be able to embrace each other, shake hands, and collaborate once more,” he said.

Mr Kodua maintained that the party’s political opponents were outside the NPP and urged members to focus their energies on rebuilding the party rather than prolonging internal divisions.

‘Why JFK again?’

Making the case for his re-election, Mr Kodua asked delegates to consider who was best placed to continue the reforms already underway.

He argued that his experience, accessibility to the grassroots and knowledge of the party’s structures positioned him to lead the next phase of the rebuilding process.

“I submit myself to you once again. Not because the work is finished. I submit myself because the work must be finished,” he said.

He urged delegates not to view his candidacy simply as a bid for another term, but as a request for a mandate to complete the party’s organisational reforms and prepare it for the 2028 elections.

Mr Kodua said his campaign was not driven by personal ambition but by the objective of rebuilding the NPP and restoring public confidence in the party.

He also expressed confidence in working with a future National Chairman and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to unite the party and position it to recapture power in 2028.

Concluding his address, Mr Kodua called on delegates to support his second-term bid and pledged to remain committed to the party’s grassroots.

“I stayed at the post when the storm came. I helped hold the Party together when the road became difficult. I have started the reforms. I know the work that remains. And today, I ask for your mandate to finish it,” he said.

Mr Kodua ended with a call for the NPP to rebuild its structures, restore confidence among its grassroots and regain the trust of Ghanaians, declaring that the party could return to government in 2028.