Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Joshua Jebuntie Zaato, has described the return of former National Chairman of the New Patriotic (NPP), Paul Afoko as a big surprise for Alan Kyeremanteng’s United Party (UP).
According to him, he believes the UP never expected this move from the suspended National Chairman of the NPP.
“People who said Paul Afoko will not join the NPP again have been put to shame”, he said on TV3, October 29.
Dr. Zaato revealed that Paul Afoko’s comeback is a sign that the NPP still is attractive and also a force to reckon with.
“He could have formed his own party or do anything but he decided to come back and I respect him for that. He has every right to be angry with the NPP”.
He recalled the bad treatment meted out to Paul Afoko following allegations of sabotaging the then-Flag bearer, which ultimately became the topic for discussion leading to his expulsion from the party.
“Look at how the NPP treated him for allegedly sabotaging the Fal bearer at the time and his brother was even persecuted for an alleged criminal offence but in all, he did not look elsewhere but has shown interest in the NPP again”, he noted.
Dr. Zaato drew a parallel between his expulsion from the party and that of the late Nana Konadu-Agyeman Rawlings, who left the NDC to establish her own party. He noted that both individuals maintained a level of respect for their political parties, refraining from speaking ill of them, even while disagreeing with certain decisions and policies undertaken.
He concluded by saying that Afoko’s commitment to the NPP should serve as a lesson to all party supporters to respect their roots and not to badmouth the party in times where some decisions do not align with their preferences
