Two prominent NPP figures in Upper West have publicly backed rival candidates for the party’s National Chairmanship, raising questions over how the region’s competing endorsements could affect the opposition party’s quest for unity and renewal.
The latest endorsement has come from newly elected Upper West Regional Chairman Alhaji Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Rahman, popularly known as Chairman White, who has thrown his weight behind former General Secretary John Boadu.
His declaration came barely two weeks after he was elected to lead the party in the region and follows a separate endorsement last month by former Upper West Regional Minister Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, who publicly backed former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko for National Chairman.
Dr Bin Salih also endorsed Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid for the position of Vice National Chairman.
The contrasting endorsements have placed the political spotlight on Upper West as the NPP approaches its national executive elections, with questions about whether regional leaders openly taking sides could help consolidate support for individual candidates or deepen divisions within the party.
In a video circulating on social media, Chairman White is seen addressing members of the John Boadu campaign team at the Regional Chairman’s residence, where he declared that the entire Upper West Region was behind Mr Boadu.
“I am speaking as the Regional Chairman of the Upper West Region. I want to use this opportunity to thank the John Boadu team. They are here with us at the Regional Chairman’s residence here in Upper West,” he said.
“I want to assure the team too, Upper West, we are really behind Honourable Dr. John Boadu to be our next National Chairman.”
Chairman White said his support for Mr Boadu was based on his confidence in the former General Secretary’s ability to unite and work with members of the party across the region.
“I know what John Boadu can do, and I believe in him, and I trust him. He can work with everybody in the entire region,” he stated.
He further disclosed that he had already engaged all 11 constituency chairmen in the region over Mr Boadu’s candidature.
“Yesterday, I called all the constituency chairmen in my house. We met and we talked about John Boadu,” he said.
“I think they all understand we are going to vote for Boadu as Upper West.”
The regional chairman also claimed that members of the Regional Executive Committee had equally thrown their support behind the former General Secretary.
“Today, I am here with my Regional Executive. They are also behind me, and they understand what I am saying. So now they are all convinced that we are going to vote for John Boadu,” he said.
Rival endorsements
The development means that two influential figures associated with the NPP in Upper West have now publicly backed different candidates for the party’s top executive position.
While Chairman White is mobilising support for John Boadu, Dr Bin Salih has openly backed Boakye Agyarko.
The competing endorsements are likely to attract attention among delegates as the NPP prepares to elect national officers who will be expected to lead the party through a period of rebuilding following its heavy defeat in the 2024 presidential election.
The party is seeking to reorganise its structures and restore its fortunes in opposition, making the question of who takes charge of its national administration particularly significant to party members.
Against that backdrop, some party members and political watchers are questioning whether open regional endorsements by senior figures will strengthen the party’s internal mobilisation or expose existing differences ahead of the national contest.
Chairman White, however, appears convinced that his position reflects the mood of the party’s structures in the region.
“Upper West Region, we’re really behind John Boadu to be our next National Chairman,” he reiterated.
He also thanked Hajia Humu Awudu for what he described as her “good work.”
The unfolding contest in Upper West is therefore becoming an early test of how the NPP manages competing loyalties within its ranks as it prepares to choose the national leadership expected to steer the party’s next phase.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
