COKA directs NPP constituency chairmen to halt premature campaigns against sitting MPs

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA, has directed constituency chairmen across the region to take immediate steps to curb premature campaigns against sitting Members of Parliament (MPs).

He expressed concern about party members openly declaring themselves as “incoming MPs” and campaigning for parliamentary positions before the party officially opens nominations.

According to Chairman COKA, such activities create unnecessary tension within the party, undermine sitting MPs and weaken internal cohesion at a time when the NPP should be focused on rebuilding its support base.

“As constituency chairmen, I charge you to halt the activities of individuals campaigning before the official time, ensuring that nothing is done behind the backs of incumbent MPs to make them feel insecure,” Chairman Odeneho stated.

He stressed the need to give sitting MPs the peace of mind required to concentrate on their legislative responsibilities and assignments.

“Our MPs need peace of mind to focus on their legislative mandates and difficult assignments,” he said.

NPP must focus on 2028
Chairman COKA said the party's immediate priority should be to regroup, rebuild its structures and regain the confidence of voters ahead of the 2028 general elections.

He pointed to the NPP's performance in the 2024 elections, noting that the party lost more than two million votes compared with its previous electoral showing.

He said the decline was evident at various levels, including polling stations, electoral areas, constituencies and regions.

“Our core mandate is to trace where we lost those votes and re-engage those electors, rather than engaging in destructive internal rivalries,” he urged.

He therefore called on constituency executives to identify and reconnect with disgruntled supporters and voters who either switched their allegiance or did not vote in the 2024 elections.

Focus on grassroots mobilisation
Chairman COKA also commended constituency chairmen for their support during the recently concluded regional executive elections and assured them of the necessary logistics and resources to carry out their responsibilities.

He urged the executives to remain active in their constituencies and make grassroots mobilisation a continuous exercise rather than an activity reserved for election periods.

“You were elected by your constituents to lead and make the party attractive to the electorate,” he stressed.

He further encouraged the constituency chairmen to remain visible within their respective areas and work towards expanding the party's support base ahead of the next general elections.

“Stay in your constituencies, remain visible, and dedicate your efforts to shoring up the NPP’s numbers for the upcoming general elections,” COKA added.