The campaign team of Paul Afoko has rejected suggestions that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should sideline his bid for National Chairman on the basis of regional considerations, describing such arguments as inconsistent with the party’s democratic traditions.

In an official communication issued by Issah K Kotomah, Director of Operations, the campaign dismissed claims that Afoko’s northern origin could present a conflict if Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, also from northern Ghana, leads the party into the 2028 general elections as its presidential candidate.

The statement clarified that Afoko hails from the Upper East Region, while Dr Bawumia is from the North East Region, stressing that the two are distinct regions with different identities and political dynamics.

The campaign further argued that reducing both regions into a single political bloc undermines Ghana’s diversity and contradicts the NPP’s inclusive philosophy.

It maintained that the party has never adhered to a strict geographical balancing formula in electing its leadership, but rather has consistently prioritised competence and experience.

Citing historical precedent, the statement noted that during the tenure of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the party elected national chairmen from southern Ghana, including Samuel Odoi-Sykes and Peter Mac Manu.

Similarly, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the NPP selected chairmen such as Freddie Blay and Stephen Ayesu Ntim, all from southern regions.

According to the campaign team, these examples demonstrate that the NPP has historically placed greater emphasis on leadership capacity rather than geographic origin.

It added that the roles of a presidential candidate and national chairman are distinct but complementary, with the former leading national campaigns and governance vision, while the latter provides organisational leadership and political direction for the party.

The statement urged party delegates and stakeholders to focus on the qualifications and leadership qualities of candidates rather than their regional backgrounds.

It described Afoko as a seasoned party figure with extensive administrative experience and deep institutional knowledge, positioning him as a strong contender capable of fostering unity and strengthening the party ahead of future elections.

The communication concluded by calling on the NPP to remain guided by its core values of meritocracy, inclusiveness, and democratic choice, emphasising that competence should be the ultimate deciding factor in selecting its next national chairman.