A public disagreement between two New Patriotic Party officials in the Upper East Region has exposed deep divisions within the party’s regional structure following devastating losses in the 2024 elections.
Peter Ayinbisa, the NPP’s Upper East Regional Communications Director, on Wednesday challenged statements made by his deputy, Andrew Atariwini, who had criticized regional executives for lacking relevance and credibility after the party failed to secure any parliamentary seats in the region.
The exchange, which aired on Dreamz FM in Bolgatanga, centered on accountability for the party’s poor showing in the 2024 general and parliamentary elections.
Dispute Over Executive Influence
Mr. Atariwini, who serves on Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign team ahead of the NPP presidential primaries, had argued that regional executives have lost their influence and would not impact electoral dynamics in the region. He noted that party leaders had promised seven parliamentary seats during their 2024 campaigns but failed to maintain even the single seat the NPP held.
“Our numbers have dwindled over 40% in terms of the general numbers that we have,” Mr. Atariwini said, according to a voice clip played by the host of the morning show, James Nana Tsiquaye.
Mr. Ayinbisa strongly rejected those claims, calling Mr. Atariwini’s characterization of regional executives as “insulting” and “denigrating.”
“He’s saying we have no relevance. We have no credibility. These are very strong words,” Mr. Ayinbisa said. “To say you have no credibility means you are empty. Whatever you say, people will not believe you.”
Questions of Party Loyalty
Mr. Ayinbisa questioned whether Mr. Atariwini had actively campaigned for the NPP in the 2024 elections, suggesting his former deputy’s current criticism may not suggest he gave the party his all ahead of the election.
“I’m beginning to think [about] whether Andrews actually campaigned for the NPP in the 2024 elections or not. I’m beginning to think [about] whether he did ask people to vote for the NPP and whether indeed he himself voted for the NPP,” Mr. Ayinbisa said.
He also pointed out that Mr. Atariwini had himself been an ex-officio member of the regional executive team, making him part of any collective failure.
Defense of Regional Leadership
Mr. Ayinbisa defended the credibility and influence of regional executives, saying they maintain strong relationships with party delegates despite electoral setbacks.
“We are very relevant, and the delegates respect us. They hold us in high esteem. They have trust and confidence in us,” he said, adding that he visits Bongo Soe every Friday and works directly with delegates.
The communications director cited a scientific research report that identified reasons for the party’s losses, arguing the problems extended beyond regional leadership.
“All of us are in a ship together. We either succeed or we get out,” Mr. Ayinbisa said.
Context of Electoral Losses
The NPP suffered significant losses in the Upper East Region during the 2024 elections, losing all parliamentary seats including the one previously held by the party. Mr. Ayinbisa acknowledged unusual results, including polling stations where major candidates allegedly received zero votes.
He specifically referenced the Binduri constituency, where incumbent MP Abanga lost his seat. Mr. Ayinbisa suggested the loss may have been preferable to continued threats against the MP, saying it was “better for Abanga to have lost the election and have peace in his family” than to win in a sharply divided constituency.
Call for Unity
Despite the exchange, Mr. Ayinbisa repeatedly urged Mr. Atariwini to “come home” and reunify with the party’s regional structure.
“Let’s continue to do the kind of work you were doing,” Mr. Ayinbisa said. “He should come to where we speak and understand ourselves.”
Source: a1radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga
