Given Recent Events, I Can’t Defend EC Against Asiedu Nketia’s Claims of Unfit Leadership – Justin Frimpong Kodua

In a rare moment of candour, New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua (JFK) has expressed deep concern over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) recent conduct, stating that the Commission appears to lack principles and has made it difficult for him to defend it against criticisms from opposition figures like Johnson Asiedu Nketia.

Speaking at a party forum on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, JFK acknowledged the frustrations surrounding the EC’s decision-making and its role in the recent electoral controversies — particularly the disputed rerun in Ablekuma North, which the NPP has vowed to boycott.

“Given current events, I must say the EC has failed to uphold the principles expected of an independent constitutional body,” JFK said. “Asiedu Nketia may be a political opponent, but I can’t, in good conscience, dismiss his claim that the current EC leadership is unfit for purpose.”

This statement marks a notable departure from the NPP’s usual posture of defending the Electoral Commission, particularly amid escalating tensions over election management and public trust in democratic institutions.

JFK’s remarks come on the heels of criticisms from NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who has repeatedly accused the EC of bias, incompetence, and eroding public confidence in the electoral process. The latest EC decision to conduct a rerun in 19 polling stations in Ablekuma North, despite court proceedings and disputed evidence, has drawn condemnation from both sides of the political divide.

“The EC’s actions have created more confusion than clarity,” JFK added. “At this rate, it becomes increasingly difficult to ask our base and the general public to trust the system.”

Observers see JFK’s public disapproval as a strong signal of mounting intra-party frustration with the EC and a potential shift toward bipartisan demands for electoral reforms. As the 2028 general election draws closer, pressure is building on the EC to restore confidence through transparency, fairness, and legal compliance.