Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has dismissed suggestions that public declarations of support by some NPP MPs for presidential aspirants have affected the unity and functioning of the caucus in Parliament.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 27, the Effutu MP members who have declared for various aspirants have conducted themselves decently, and the leadership continues to maintain cohesion within the caucus.
“I think so far, the MPs who have declared in one way or the other have been decent,” he said.
“Initially, my concern was how those who will declare openly will manage themselves. You recall that I came out openly to say that, look, let’s be very neutral.
“And my good reason was that after the primaries, we, the leaders in Parliament, would have to do some legwork, do what I call the midnight walking, get people together here and there.”
He explained that staying neutral was necessary to preserve credibility and trust among the different factions within the party.
“To make yourself a credible referee who would be trusted by various factions, it’s better for you to stay neutral, at least not openly declare. Some disagreed. You are in a democracy. And for those who disagreed, they have chosen to go about their views decently. For me, that is commendable,” he added.
Afenyo-Markin emphasised that he has not endorsed any candidate publicly and does not intend to.
“No, I cannot publicly say I am going to campaign for this person,” he said.
“I don’t have to, because of where I sit. I have a role to play in the aftermath of January 31st. If I would have to play that role, show my hand openly, it will be difficult to be trusted when I am doing that midnight walking. So at least, I think it’s appropriate to stay that way.”
He revealed that some of his deputies and other leaders in Parliament had expressed differing opinions about remaining neutral, but assured that their stance has not disrupted the caucus.
“Some have respectfully made their views known to me. They did disagree and said that, leader, ordinarily, I would be with you, but I would want to go this way, but I will be decent, which I’ve already said is good. Some have also said, Leader, we think it’s better to keep calm and go by this approach. So we’re watching, but so far so good,” he noted.
Afenyo-Markin concluded that despite individual preferences in the ongoing internal race, the Minority caucus remains focused on its parliamentary duties.
“I do not think that that has affected the way we work in Parliament,” he stated.
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