The decision by former Nandom Member of Parliament Ambrose Dery to seek the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary nomination again has triggered a debate over succession and generational change within the constituency party.
Mohammed Abdulai, spokesperson for NPP parliamentary hopeful Alois Mohl, has questioned whether the Nandom NPP has a deliberate succession plan after Mr. Dery announced on August 11, 2026 that he would contest the party’s primaries ahead of the 2028 general elections.
In an opinion piece published on Tuesday, Mr. Abdulai argued that Mr. Dery’s decision to return to the parliamentary race after more than two decades as the NPP’s parliamentary candidate raises questions about the emergence of a new generation of leaders within the party.
Mr. Dery, born on August 23, 1956, will be 72 by the December 2028 elections.
According to Mr. Abdulai, the NPP has capable individuals who could provide such a transition, including Mr. Mohl, a former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Social Investment Fund.
He said Mr. Mohl has served the NPP at both constituency and national levels, including as a member of the party’s National Executive Council.
Mr. Abdulai also pointed to Mr. Mohl’s previous role as Mr. Dery’s campaign manager between 2005 and 2008.
He further noted that Mr. Mohl attempted to contest Mr. Dery in the NPP parliamentary primaries in 2023 but was disqualified in circumstances that generated controversy.
Mr. Abdulai said Mr. Dery had previously indicated that he would not seek another term, citing statements he allegedly made to constituents in Tamale on June 16, 2024 and during an interview on Nandom FM on December 12, 2024.
He said the former MP’s decision to seek the seat again therefore raises questions about the future of succession within the Nandom NPP.
“After more than 20 years as the NPP’s only parliamentary candidate, where is the succession plan?” Mr. Abdulai asked.
He argued that the emergence of younger or alternative leaders should not necessarily be interpreted as opposition to Mr. Dery, but could instead reflect a desire among some party members for generational renewal.
Mr. Abdulai maintained that Mr. Mohl’s experience within the NPP and his previous service alongside Mr. Dery makes him one of the potential candidates capable of leading such a transition.
He said the Nandom NPP has “capable hands” and urged delegates to consider the question of succession as the party prepares for its parliamentary primaries.
The debate is expected to intensify as the NPP approaches its parliamentary primaries, with Mr. Dery’s return potentially setting up a contest involving other aspirants seeking to lead the party into the 2028 general election.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
