NPP lacks credibility to make impact in 2028 election – Mustapha Gbande

Mustapha Gbande, the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed skepticism about the New Patriotic Party (NPP)'s ability to impact the 2028 general election. During an interview about the successful completion of the NPP's regional executive elections, Gbande questioned the party's credibility regarding the misuse and mismanagement of state resources during its eight years in government.

He emphasized that altering executives is a standard procedure for all political parties. Gbande clarified that the NPP's new leadership consisted of old party members who had contributed to the current predicament. He stressed that the party's credibility is crucial to its success. Despite the NPP's efforts to conduct the regional elections peacefully, Gbande argued that lacking credibility would hinder the party's achievements.

He noted that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP's flagbearer, supported several candidates who ultimately lost. Gbande criticized the NPP for failing to recognize the importance of a bottom-up approach to reorganization, stating that their evasive behavior towards the government would not unite them. He pointed out that the country had entered a new era where citizens strongly oppose mismanagement, corruption, and misuse of state resources.

The NDC government under President John Dramani Mahama has been actively addressing the issues left behind by the NPP's tenure. Gbande highlighted that while the NPP's regional elections went smoothly, the party's performance in post-2024 data revealed significant losses, particularly in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. The NPP acknowledges its main objective is to rebuild trust, engage floating voters, and regain parliamentary seats.

The losses in the 2024 election were not only organizational but also reflected in the public's perception of the economy, job opportunities, and the cost of living.