By Sarah Baafi
The Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu, says political experience and grassroots commitment are more important than formal education in shaping effective party leadership, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its presidential primaries.
Speaking on GBC’s Current Agenda, Prof. Alidu stressed the need for campaign strategies that reflect the priorities of different groups within the party, noting that delegates and grassroots members often value practical support and loyalty over academic qualifications.
“We should have everybody, maybe we campaign on the message of what the delegates want, or what the entire population wants. When you look at how the delegates are set up, they are largely polling station executives – the grassroots of the party,” he said.
Prof. Alidu argued that political maturity is not always linked to formal education, pointing to years of experience within party structures as a key source of political insight.
“Sometimes people who may not be highly educated are very politically mature based on their experience. That does not mean they cannot contribute meaningfully,” he added.
He also emphasised the importance of targeted political messaging, explaining that the concerns of grassroots party members differ significantly from those of urban professionals and business leaders.
“What you say to a businessman in Accra will not be the same as what you say to a polling station executive. The packaging and the strategy will differ,” Prof. Alidu noted.
Using practical examples, he said engagement with less-educated delegates may focus on addressing basic needs and skills training, while discussions with professionals are more likely to centre on economic policy, legislation and creating a favourable business environment.
His comments come at a time of heightened political activity, as the NPP prepares to select its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections. The remarks reflect a wider debate within political parties over how to balance grassroots mobilisation with professional expertise in leadership selection and policy direction.
