NPP should focus on uniting the party instead on the reasons for their lost – Dr. Peter Terpker

Policy analyst Dr. Peter Terpker has issued a stern warning to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging the party to prioritize unity over post-mortem analyses of their 2024 electoral defeat. Speaking on ABC News’ Morning Brief, Dr. Terpker expressed concern over what he sees as a misplaced focus on the causes of their loss, rather than consolidating the party’s fractured base.

His comments come in the wake of the presentation of a post-election report by former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, held at the Alisa Hotel on Tuesday. The report delved into the party’s performance and outlined key challenges that led to the defeat in the last general elections. However, Dr. Terpker believes the timing and emphasis on dissecting the loss could further deepen existing divisions.

“They have to unite the party, unite the members, or else if they are not careful, the party will be split,” he warned.

He described the reasons behind the NPP’s electoral loss as “public knowledge” and questioned the strategic value of reiterating those factors at this point.

“They seem to be losing focus. This is not the time to be looking at what caused your defeat,” he said, adding that the energy spent analyzing the past could be better channeled into rebuilding internal trust and party structures.

With factions reportedly forming within the rank and file following the election, Dr. Terpker emphasized that the NPP’s road back to political relevance hinges on reconciliation and internal cohesion—not finger-pointing or blame games.

Political analysts have echoed similar sentiments in recent weeks, warning that the deepening rifts within the party could hamper its ability to present a united front ahead of the 2028 elections. As the party transitions into opposition, observers say the leadership’s ability to foster solidarity will be crucial to shaping its future.

While the Mike Oquaye report is expected to inform the party’s long-term strategy, Dr. Terpker maintains that short-term healing must take precedence.

“There’s a time for diagnosis and a time for healing. Right now, the NPP needs to heal,” he concluded.

The party is expected to hold a national retreat in the coming weeks, where unity and restructuring will likely dominate the agenda.