Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has described the ongoing campaign ahead of the party’s January 31 presidential primary as an important rehearsal for the 2028 general elections.
His comments come amid public concern over rising tensions and sharp exchanges among some of the flagbearer aspirants during the campaign.
According to Mr. Blay, the highly competitive nature of the race reflects a vibrant internal democratic process and is helping to prepare the party for its eventual contest with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
While acknowledging that some remarks made during the campaign may have gone beyond acceptable limits, he argued that such moments often reveal the character of individuals—an element voters typically consider in making political choices.
“It has been very competitive and, in many ways, useful. This is a rehearsal for the bigger contest ahead, which is against our main opponents, the NDC. Strong words do not break bones; they tell a story about both those who speak and those who listen. It all contributes to revealing character, and I find nothing fundamentally wrong with what is happening so far,” he said.
He further dismissed concerns that the intensity of the contest could lead to divisions after the primaries, pointing to the peace pact signed by the aspirants as evidence of their collective commitment to unity beyond January 31.
