Aspiring New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman Paul Afoko has dismissed opinion polls on the party’s national chairmanship race, insisting that the only poll that matters to him is the actual election scheduled for October 3, 2026, in Kumasi.
Mr Afoko’s comments come after a Global InfoAnalytics poll placed former NPP General Secretary John Boadu ahead of other leading candidates in the race to become the party’s next National Chairman.
The survey, published on August 20, 2026, indicated that 27 percent of NPP voters surveyed preferred John Boadu, while former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko recorded 15 percent and Paul Afoko polled 10 percent.
Speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of a thanksgiving service for newly elected Ashanti Regional NPP Executives at Gracefields Chapel in the Nhyiaeso Constituency, Afoko said he remained confident about his chances of winning the NPP National Chairman election.
“I don’t believe in any polls. The only poll I believe in is the October 3 poll here in Kumasi,” he said.
According to Afoko, his campaign message is gaining traction among NPP delegates across the country. He argued that his continued campaign and engagement with party members demonstrate his confidence in securing victory.
Paul Afoko Questions Accuracy of Opinion Polls
The NPP National Chairman hopeful also questioned the reliability of opinion polls conducted ahead of the party’s internal election.
He described such surveys as speculative, arguing that there was no guarantee that respondents would accurately disclose their preferred candidate.
“All other polls are just speculation,” Afoko said, adding that it was impossible to know with certainty whether people participating in surveys were being truthful about their voting intentions.
Afoko further stated that he would not have remained in the NPP National Chairman race if he did not believe he could win the election.
Afoko Calls Ashanti Region the NPP’s Stronghold
The former NPP executive made the comments while attending a thanksgiving service organised by the newly elected Ashanti Regional Executives, led by Regional Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as Asanteman COKA.
Afoko said his participation was primarily intended to demonstrate solidarity with the new regional leadership, describing the Ashanti Region as the heartbeat and stronghold of the NPP.
He said the election of new regional executives provides the party with an opportunity to rebuild and renew its structures following recent electoral setbacks.
According to Afoko, the new leadership must focus on strengthening the party’s grassroots structures and restoring confidence among NPP supporters ahead of future elections.
NPP Can Reclaim Lost Ashanti Region Seats
Paul Afoko also expressed optimism that the NPP could recover the seven parliamentary seats it lost in the Ashanti Region during the 2024 elections.
He noted that the Ashanti Region currently accounts for about 40 of the NPP’s parliamentary seats and stressed the importance of supporting constituencies where the party suffered electoral losses.
He, however, emphasised that unity within the NPP would be essential if the party wants to reclaim lost seats and ultimately return to power.
“The one prerequisite of power is unity,” Afoko stated, calling on NPP members to put aside discrimination and rebuild the unity that characterised the party’s historical development.
Afoko Calls for NPP Unity and Renewal
Afoko referenced the NPP’s roots in the United Party (UP) tradition, urging party members to rediscover the spirit of unity that helped shape the political tradition.
He said the NPP must come together to overcome its current challenges and build a stronger organisation capable of competing effectively in future elections.
Afoko also expressed confidence in newly elected Ashanti Regional Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, saying his experience in party organisation would be an important asset in rebuilding the NPP in the region.
He believes that with unity and effective leadership under COKA, the political future of the NPP in the Ashanti Region remains promising.
The NPP National Chairman election is expected to be closely watched as the party prepares to reorganise its structures and position itself for the 2028 Ghana general elections.
Source: newsthemegh.com