Focus on issues, not insults — Nii Lantey Vanderpuye tells NPP presidential aspirants
National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has urged presidential hopefuls of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to focus on delivering issue-based campaign messages rather than engaging in personal attacks and unnecessary rivalry.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Thursday, October 16, Mr. Vanderpuye said aspirants must direct their efforts toward convincing delegates with practical ideas and a clear vision for the party’s future, especially ahead of the January 2026 presidential primaries.
“I think I want presidential aspirants to be focused. There’s an internal election, what are the things I have to put before the delegates that I will be a good leader to serve them? That is key. After that, you go for the national elections. But people are now talking about national elections at internal party elections.
“You must know your target audience and the message. What are the things I need to tell the delegates for them to vote for me? Party development, development of individual party members, the prospects for them, and what sort of relationship will you have with them as a candidate?” he said.
Mr. Vanderpuye’s comments come in the wake of remarks by NPP presidential hopeful Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who recently declared that he would never concede defeat in any presidential election unless the Electoral Commission officially declares the results — a statement some critics believe was aimed at former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who conceded defeat in the 2024 general elections.
According to Mr. Vanderpuye, such comments reflect a growing trend of “unhealthy competition” within the party, which could harm its unity and public image.
He stressed that the NPP’s internal contest should serve as a platform for policy ideas and leadership vision rather than a stage for internal bickering, adding that maintaining unity and credibility will be key to the party’s success in the next general elections.
“It’s not a matter of throwing digs at somebody and not focusing on the issues. Go there with focus. You don’t go to such a forum to throw shade at people. Go there with focus. The issues now are how to lead a united party, make the party credible, how to make the party win elections and inspire confidence in the delegates; these are the things I want all the aspirants to look at,” Mr. Vanderpuye advised.
