The founder of the UP Tradition Institute, Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, has cautioned members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against adopting tribal or religious campaign strategies as the party prepares for its 2026 presidential primary.

Reflecting on the 2023 primary, Dr. Opoku noted that several narratives had emerged ahead of the contest, including calls such as “It is time for a Non-Akan to lead NPP”, “It is time for Dombo to lead NPP”, “Enough of Akan Presidential Candidates leading NPP”, and “NPP must produce Ghana’s first Muslim President.”

According to him, these sentiments created a serious disadvantage for Akan presidential aspirants in the 2023 race, while ultimately favouring Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who emerged as the party’s flagbearer.

He expressed worries about the use of tribalism and religion  in a statement on his Facebook wall

“The beneficiaries of the aforementioned agenda at that time never complained about tribalism and religion because they strongly favoured Bawumia,” he stated.

Looking ahead to the 2026 primaries, Dr. Opoku urged aspirants and their supporters to adopt campaign strategies based on truth and fairness, rather than ethnic or religious appeals.

He stressed that the NPP belongs to all its members and should not be controlled or defined by sectional interests.

“The party does not belong to one person,” he emphasised, adding that unity and principled campaigning will be essential to the party’s future success