Political analyst Fidelis Atura Ayam has attributed the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s loss in the recently concluded general elections to its inability to understand and effectively engage with voters, particularly in key regions like the Upper East.
In an interview on A1 Radio, Mr. Ayam highlighted the NPP’s struggle to retain its traditional support base. He criticized the party’s leadership in the Upper East Region for failing to recognize the organizational strength of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Comparing the NDC’s structure in the region to that of the Volta Region, he described it as highly organized and efficient in mobilizing support.
“The base was what the NPP needed, and the base rejected the NPP. The leadership of the NPP in the Upper East Region needs to understand the people they are dealing with. The NDC in the Upper East is the most organized political group, just like those in the Volta Region. They know their people and how to connect with them.”
Mr. Ayam also analyzed electoral dynamics in specific constituencies, such as Bongo, where he argued that NPP candidates faced an uphill battle against strong opposition. He suggested that NPP candidates could only secure a foothold in such areas by running as independents with the intention of aligning with the party after winning. He stressed the need for strategic thinking and a deeper understanding of the local political landscape for the NPP to improve its chances in future elections. “The problem I have with the NPP here, forgive me, is that they are not approaching the matter strategically. You must think critically and understand the context. It’s not just about the contest; it’s about the candidate you present.”
The political analyst did not hold back in his assessment of the NPP’s leadership, blaming the party’s failure to address the needs and aspirations of its grassroots base for widespread voter disillusionment. He noted that many disenchanted NPP supporters opted to abstain from voting as a form of protest against the party’s perceived underperformance.
On a national level, Mr. Ayam acknowledged the NDC’s overwhelming victory in the presidential race, which he attributed to the NPP’s inability to meet the electorate’s expectations. However, he cautioned that President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s leadership would face close scrutiny, particularly in his approach to managing succession within the NDC.
According to Mr. Ayam, Mahama’s handling of succession would be a critical factor in shaping the NDC’s future. “We got here because the NPP disappointed the many people who had faith and trust in them. But I must say that the challenge the NDC is going to face lies in succession. Who will succeed Mahama is an issue he must handle carefully. His actions and inactions will determine the future trajectory of the NDC,” he concluded.
Source: A1RadioOnline.Com | 101.1MHz | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
