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Noting Article 3(9)(1) of its 2017 Constitution (as amended), which permits the removal of individuals who do not uphold the party’s principles and loyalty, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) recently announced the expulsion of former Member of Parliament Cynthia Morrison and 279 other members.
Although it’s always admirable when a party sticks to its constitution, this action, which comes immediately after the NPP’s crushing defeat in the 2024 elections, couldn’t be more politically ill-advised or misguided. These widespread expulsions run the risk of further alienating the same grassroots that the NPP needs to restore its footing, rather than aiding in its reconstruction.
Not Dealing with the Fundamental Causes
A two-way street is loyalty. The government and leadership of the NPP made a series of choices that caused a great deal of discontent and ultimately led to a crushing electoral loss. The underlying issues—a failure to fulfill commitments and a disconnect with grassroots concerns—are overlooked when “disloyal” members are blamed.
Prior to targeting supposed dissenters, the party ought to examine its own errors of judgment. While mass expulsions can momentarily quell criticism, they don’t address the underlying leadership issues that led to the divisions in the first place.
The Value of Humility
Instead, a “miserable loss” should be an opportunity for candid reflection rather than unrestrained violence. It is more appropriate for the NPP to take a stance of repentance rather than summarily dismissing members who, understandably, expressed disappointment or frustration.
The party has chosen to demonize the criticism of many people who were expelled, even if they may have had valid complaints. Rebuilding trust after a party’s massive electoral setback can be achieved in large part by being humble and being candid with its supporters.
Distancing the Support Community
How well political parties are able to unite their supporters around shared objectives determines whether they win or lose. Amidst a tense and uncertain atmosphere, solidarity is crucial. The mass expulsion of 280 members simply serves to widen already existing divisions and may deter prospective or hesitant members from joining or sticking with the party. The time to repair the holes is now, not to shrink the tent. The NPP must organize its members rather than disband them if it hopes to make a political resurgence.
Endangering Long-Term Opportunities
It is impossible to overestimate the optics of a comprehensive purge for a party that is meant to represent a wide range of voters. To stay relevant and active, modern political parties need to make space for constructive criticism.
The NPP conveys a sobering message by confusing dissent with disloyalty: You must comply or be expelled. An echo chamber is created within the party, moderates are turned off, and new ideas are suppressed. A diverse range of viewpoints must be heard, recognized, and taken into consideration for there to be genuine political growth and regeneration.
A Call to Reconciliation and True Leadership
More than ever, the NPP needs leaders who can take responsibility for their mistakes and work toward reconciliation. The truth of failure is not denied by strong leaders; instead, they utilize all available resources to rebuild, learn from mistakes, and offer assistance to those who have strayed.
The NPP would demonstrate that unity is more important to it than fleeting expressions of presidential power by stopping—or even reversing—these expulsions. By showing maturity, the party would convey that it truly wants to hear its members out and learn from them, regardless of how harsh the criticism may be.
Conclusion
In a post-election landscape riddled with the NPP’s own mistakes, the mass expulsion of members is an unfortunate display of hubris rather than humility. Loyalty cannot be enforced by constitutional fiat or threatened expulsions; it is earned through responsive leadership and a sincere commitment to the needs of the party base.
If the NPP hopes to avoid further electoral humiliation, it must realise that now is not the time for heavy-handed punishment but for honesty, mending fences, and rebuilding trust. Any party that forgets this lesson—and chooses division over reconciliation—risks condemning itself to another cycle of loss and irrelevance.
