The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expelled Addae Bright, a Youth Organiser from the North Dayi constituency, after he publicly declared support for the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) during a rally at Botoku in the Volta Region.
Mr. Bright, who was the Youth Organiser at the RC Primary Anfoega Wadamaxe polling station, shocked many when he openly endorsed the NDC parliamentary candidate, Joycelyn Tetteh, and the party's flagbearer, John Mahama.
His public display of support was deemed a direct violation of the NPP's constitution, specifically Article 3(9)(1), which mandates the automatic forfeiture of party membership for those who back opposing candidates.
In a statement, the North Dayi Constituency Secretary, Mr. Baku Emmanuel K., informed all members of Mr. Bright’s expulsion, stressing the importance of unity within the party.
"By this release, a notice is hereby given that Mr. Addae Bright, aka Zakpo, is no longer a member of the party, and all members must treat him as such,” the statement read.
The NPP highlighted that the constitution leaves no room for ambiguity on the matter: "Any member who joins or supports another political party when the NPP has officially sponsored a candidate forfeits their membership."
According to the statement, Mr. Bright’s controversial move occurred during an NDC rally on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, where their National Chairman, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, was also present.
Mr. Bright's declaration of support for the NDC parliamentary candidate and flagbearer at the event triggered swift disciplinary action from the NPP.
The decision has, however, raised questions about the party’s consistency in handling similar cases. Critics have pointed to instances where the NPP has resisted efforts to declare vacant the seats of members who ran as independent candidates in constituencies with officially sponsored party members.