Akufo-Addo urges NPP aspirants to put party unity above personal ambition

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has cautioned flagbearer aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against placing personal ambition above the unity and long-term future of the party, stressing that the NPP is bigger than any individual.

Speaking at the peace pact signing ceremony for aspirants ahead of the party’s January 31, 2026 presidential primaries, the former President said the exercise was far more than a routine political ritual.

“This peace pact, this commitment pact, is therefore not a mere ceremony,” Nana Akufo-Addo said.

He described it as “a solemn covenant” that signals a shared commitment to ensure that ambition does not override fraternity, competition does not descend into hostility, and that once the ballot has spoken, the party moves forward as one.

The former President reminded aspirants that their conduct before, during and after the primaries would have lasting implications for both the party and the nation.

“Your conduct will shape the moral tone of the NPP and the future of our country,” he said, noting that party supporters, grassroots members and the youth are keenly watching their actions.

He stressed that internal contests must never weaken the party’s collective strength.

“Let me be clear. The NPP is bigger than any individual,” he said, adding that “no ambition, grievance, or faction is greater than the elephant,” the party’s symbol.

According to him, unity remains critical to the party’s electoral success.

“Unity is not optional. Unity is not a slogan. Unity is a strategic necessity for victory,” he said, urging aspirants to ensure that the peace pact is not only signed but reflected in their conduct.

Nana Akufo-Addo further called on candidates to campaign with decency and mutual respect in the lead-up to the primaries.

“Let your campaigns be firm but fair, competitive but respectful,” he said, emphasising that the NPP’s political tradition rejects “fear, insults, intimidation, and bitterness.”

He also warned against elevating loyalty to individuals above loyalty to the party.

“Loyalty to individuals must never supersede loyalty to the party,” he said, stressing that after the primaries there must be “one party, one direction, one destiny.”

Expressing confidence in the NPP’s future, the former President said he believes the party remains “the best vehicle with the best ideas for Ghana’s future.”

He urged members to keep the party united, disciplined and worthy of public trust.

“If we honour our history, respect one another, and put party and country above self, the future of the NPP and of Ghana herself will indeed be bright,” he said.