Succession Tensions Deepen in NPP as Odike Accuses Akyem Bloc of Strategic Realignment

Founder of the Union Government movement, Kwasi Addai Odike, has alleged that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and influential figures within the Akyem political establishment may shift their allegiance away from the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2028 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, if he fails to secure victory in the general elections.

According to Mr Odike, the internal power structure of the NPP could realign after 2028, with Akyem elites positioning former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong, as the party’s next preferred leader.

He claimed that Dr Acheampong, who placed third in the party’s recent presidential primaries with over 36,000 votes, is being strategically prepared to assume the party’s leadership should Dr Bawumia’s bid for the presidency be unsuccessful.

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Mr Odike further alleged that the NPP’s primary process was tilted in favour of Dr Bawumia, whom he described as the establishment-backed candidate supported by the Akufo-Addo administration.

He also suggested that Dr Acheampong’s participation in the contest was partly aimed at weakening the growing influence of Kennedy Agyapong within the party ahead of future elections.

Mr Odike’s comments have reignited debate over succession politics within the NPP, particularly as the party navigates leadership transition in the post-Akufo-Addo era.

However, the allegations were swiftly dismissed by former Bantama MP and ex-Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr Henry Kokofu, who described them as baseless. He urged party members to focus on unity and organisational rebuilding ahead of the 2028 elections.

Dr Kokofu also praised the peaceful conduct of the party’s primaries and commended security agencies and election officials for ensuring a smooth process.