Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and aspiring candidate for the party’s upcoming internal elections, *Paul Awentami Afoko* has described the vetting process conducted by the NPP’s National Vetting Committee as fair, firm and intellectually rigorous.
Speaking to journalists shortly after going through the vetting on Monday, Afoko could not hide his satisfaction with the conduct of the committee.
Mr. Afoko, who is contesting in the crucial *October 3, 2026* national executive elections, faced the committee as part of the mandatory screening for all aspirants seeking to lead the party into the 2028 general elections.
“The Process Was Very Fair”
When asked by journalists in Jaman about how the process went, the former chairman was emphatic.
“Oh, the process was really very fair. The process, I believe, was fair. It was firm, and in fact, there was a lot of frank discussion. Wow! Wow! Wow! And the caliber, the quality is not small,” Afoko stated.
According to him, the committee did not engage in a mere formality. He said members of the vetting panel probed deep, asking critical questions about party strategy, unity, and the road to victory in 2028.
“The way they posed certain questions that I had not anticipated. Some of them I definitely am going to include them in my [manifesto/strategy]. They ask about certain strategies, and those questions then get you thinking. And I think it’s good,” he added.
Afoko noted that the nature of the questioning shows the NPP is serious about selecting competent, visionary leaders who can reposition the party after its 2024 electoral defeat.
Campaign In Full Swing
On the state of his campaign, the former chairman said his machinery is active on the ground and has already covered several regions.
For him, the vetting is just one step – the real work is with the delegates.
“For me, I know that the campaign is going on. I have done so far, I have gone to different regions. After today, I am setting up to continue campaigning around the country. So the campaign is going okay,” Afoko told the press.
Paul Afoko, who served as NPP National Chairman from 2014, is making a strong political comeback, anchoring his campaign on unity, reconciliation, and a return to the NPP’s core tradition of inclusiveness and grassroots empowerment. His vetting is seen as a major milestone that clears the path for him to officially contest.
All Eyes on October 3
The NPP’s October 3 elections are shaping up to be one of the most consequential in the party’s history. With the party in opposition and seeking to reorganize its base, several big names have picked forms for various national positions including Chairman, Vice Chairmen, General Secretary and Organizer.
The National Vetting Committee, chaired by a respected elder of the party, is expected to vet all aspirants this week and publish the list of qualified candidates by the end of the month. Disqualified aspirants will have a window to appeal.
Political analysts say Afoko’s entry adds weight and experience to the race, and his comments about a fair process will boost confidence among the rank and file that the party leadership is committed to a transparent and credible internal election.
For now, as Afoko himself put it, the focus shifts back to the campaign trail as he resumes his tour across all 16 regions to sell his message of hope and unity to delegates.
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