Leading New Patriotic Party (NPP) figure in the Nandom Constituency, Lawyer Sylvester Isang, has signalled that he will soon announce whether he will contest the party’s parliamentary primaries, while calling for a transparent contest based on ideas, competence and service rather than endorsements or factional politics.
In an exclusive interview, the Tamale-based private legal practitioner said he was aware of growing speculation linking him to the NPP’s parliamentary candidature for the 2028 general election but would make his position known at the appropriate time.
“I know that question follows me everywhere I go,” he said. “For now, I think it is only fair that the newly elected constituency executives settle into office. When the appropriate time comes, I will publicly communicate my decision.”
Lawyer Isang said any decision to contest would be carefully considered and made in the interest of both the party and the people of Nandom.
He also stressed that, should he enter the race, he would prefer an open and competitive primary in which every qualified aspirant is given the opportunity to contest.
“I believe in competition. If I contest, I want a free, fair and transparent primary. I don’t want anyone to hand me victory, and I don’t want anyone prevented from contesting because they are perceived as a threat,” he said.
According to him, a credible primary election would strengthen party unity because unsuccessful aspirants would be more likely to accept the outcome when they believe the process was transparent.
“If I win, I want to know I won because delegates freely voted for me. If I lose, I should also accept that delegates freely chose someone else. That is democracy,” he stated.
Lawyer Isang said leadership should be founded on service rather than personal ambition, arguing that public office should be used to empower people and strengthen institutions instead of concentrating authority in one individual.
He said effective leaders must create opportunities for others to contribute ideas and participate in decision-making.
“Leadership should never revolve around one individual. Every member of the team has something valuable to contribute. People should feel they have a stake in decision-making because that is how organisations become stronger,” he said.
He maintained that political leaders must be able to work with both supporters and critics, describing unity as an indispensable ingredient for political success.
“I don’t believe in the politics of exclusion. Today someone may disagree with you, but tomorrow that same person could become your strongest supporter. A leader must be able to unite people behind a common vision,” he said.
Drawing on his legal career, Lawyer Isang said the profession had broadened his exposure and enabled him to build relationships with people in positions of responsibility across both the public and private sectors.
He, however, rejected suggestions that professional status alone qualifies a person for political leadership.
“I will never seek political office simply because I am a lawyer. Leadership is about service, humility and understanding the needs of the people,” he said.
To illustrate his philosophy, Lawyer Isang recounted declining an invitation to bypass a queue during the NPP’s recent constituency elections, insisting on waiting his turn alongside other party members.
“My people had woken up early and queued to vote. I could not, in good conscience, walk past them simply because I am a lawyer. We are all equal,” he said.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Lawyer Isang said his rural background had shaped his understanding of the challenges facing ordinary people and would continue to guide his approach to leadership.
“I grew up in the village. I farmed, hunted and gathered shea nuts. Those experiences remind me that leadership is about improving the lives of ordinary people, not about titles or privilege,” he added.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
