NPP Divided Over Boycott of Ablekuma North Re-Run as Akua Afriyie Vows to Contest

NPP Divided Over Boycott of Ablekuma North Re-Run as Akua Afriyie Vows to Contest

A storm is brewing within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as tensions escalate over the party’s decision to boycott the upcoming Ablekuma North election re-run. The move, sanctioned by the National Executive Committee (NEC), has drawn sharp criticism from leading party figures, igniting a fiery internal debate that could have significant implications for party unity and the by-election's outcome.

Despite the NEC's directive to withdraw from Thursday’s poll over alleged irregularities in the electoral process, former Ablekuma North MP and NPP candidate Nana Akua Afriyie has defiantly declared her intent to contest.

“I’m contesting tomorrow, and I will come out victorious,” she told supporters, directly challenging the party leadership’s decision and further highlighting the growing cracks within the party’s rank and file.

Ken Agyapong Fires Back

Outspoken NPP firebrand and former flagbearer aspirant Hon. Kennedy Agyapong questioned the rationale behind the boycott, accusing party executives of capitulating to the opposition.

"Are they saying we should just hand over the seat?" he asked. "The NDC are our brothers and friends, but are they now suggesting that the NDC are stronger or more capable than us, when we claim 'we have the men'? The national executives must reconsider and rescind this decision.”

Davis Opoku Ansah Rallies Behind Akua Afriyie

Echoing similar sentiments, MP for Mpraeso, Hon. Davis Opoku Ansah, penned a passionate open letter calling on the party to rally behind Akua Afriyie, whom he described as a loyal servant of the NPP who has sacrificed significantly for the party.

“She is a widow. A woman who has poured her life, sweat, and strength into this party... Let’s not act powerless when we have the numbers, the base, and the message,” he wrote. “This is not the time to boycott — this is the time to show up, mobilise, and get Akua elected.”

Party Leadership Stands Firm

In response, Kwabena Frimpong, the NPP’s Deputy Protocol Director, defended the party’s leadership and the NEC’s decision, stressing that it was not taken lightly.

“Loyalty demands we ask hard questions and confront uncomfortable truths,” Frimpong wrote in a detailed rejoinder. “If the very foundation of the process is in question, then stepping back isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom. It is strategy. It is principle.”

Quoting Article 10(4) of the NPP Constitution, Frimpong reminded dissenters that the NEC is constitutionally mandated to direct party affairs and took the decision after extensive consultation. He warned that undermining such decisions weakens the party’s democratic structures and projects disunity.

Background: Controversy Over 19 Polling Stations

At the heart of the controversy are 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North, where the NPP reportedly won both in the 2020 general elections and again in 2024. However, questions have been raised about the integrity of the electoral process in those polling stations, prompting the NEC’s decision to boycott the re-run.

Despite the boycott directive, local NPP supporters and grassroots organizers are reportedly divided, with some vowing to vote regardless of the party’s official stance.

Implications for the NPP and the By-Election

With just hours to the by-election, the party faces an internal crisis of confidence and cohesion. Akua Afriyie’s bold decision to defy the boycott puts her on a collision course with the national leadership, setting up a dramatic showdown with far-reaching consequences.

Political observers say the situation could test the strength of the NPP’s internal democracy and raise critical questions about unity ahead of the 2028 elections.

As the ballot draws near, all eyes will be on Ablekuma North — not just for who wins the seat, but for what the result reveals about the state of Ghana’s ruling party.