Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman Paul Afoko has claimed that the foundation for the party’s victory in the 2016 general election was laid during his tenure before his suspension from the party.

According to Mr. Afoko, his leadership put in place the necessary structures and strategies that helped the NPP secure power in the 2016 elections, arguing that subsequent party leaders cannot take sole credit for the victory.

Speaking about his role in the party’s electoral success in an interview with Kwesi Parker Wilson on Oyerepa Breakfast Time, the former chairman said he insisted on discipline, fairness and internal democracy as key principles to unite the party and prepare it for the election.

“I stood up as chairman because you need strategy to win power. There should not be emotion and discrimination,” he said.

Mr. Afoko explained that before the party went into the 2016 election, his team had completed the necessary groundwork, including preparations for the parliamentary and presidential contests.

He maintained that his leadership ensured that the party’s internal elections were conducted smoothly by allowing democratic processes to prevail.

“Our internal elections from parliamentary and presidential did not have any problem because I used one strict line that we must let democracy work and there should not be emotion and discrimination,” he stated.

Mr. Afoko further argued that if he had not taken a firm position during his tenure, the NPP could have remained in opposition for several more years.

“I knew I would win because the strategy that delivered the NPP’s 2016 election victory was put in place under my leadership before I was suspended. Freddie Blay and others cannot take credit for that victory,” he added.

Background on Paul Afoko’s Suspension

Paul Afoko was elected National Chairman of the NPP in 2014 but was suspended by the party’s National Executive Committee in October 2015, ahead of the 2016 general election.

The party accused him of misconduct and actions that were considered detrimental to the interest of the NPP. His suspension followed a petition submitted by some party members, leading to the establishment of a disciplinary committee.

Mr. Afoko rejected the allegations and described his suspension as politically motivated, arguing that it was linked to disagreements within the party’s leadership.

Following his suspension, Freddie Blay acted as NPP National Chairman until the party held its next internal elections. The NPP went on to win the 2016 presidential election, defeating the then governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), with Nana Akufo-Addo becoming President.