Mustapha Abdul-Hamid explains why he entered NPP Vice Chair race

Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, has explained the reasons behind his decision to contest for a vice chairmanship position in the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

According to him, the move was influenced by encouragement from party members and his desire to contribute more directly to internal decision-making.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on April 16, 2026, he recounted how a late-night message from a party activist, Akilu Sayibu, played a pivotal role in shaping his decision.

“There is a party activist called Akilu Sayibu, who runs an online newspaper. He knows I usually stay up until about 1 a.m. or 2 a.m., so at around 12:30 a.m., he sent me a message,” he said.

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“It was so touching that I still remember it clearly. He said, ‘My brother, you cannot leave the party on the edge. The party requires your experience, energy, and intelligence. I am begging you, please try. If you don’t want to be General Secretary or Chairman, at least you can run for the vice chairmanship position. Don’t forsake the party,'" he said.

Following that message, Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid said he began consulting widely within the party before making his intention known.

“By daybreak, three of my confidants called me and said what Sayibu had told me about abandoning the party in its hour of need might be true if I chose not to step forward,” he explained.

“It would appear as though the party brought you to power, rewarded you with positions, and now that it needs your effort to return, you have folded your arms,” he added.

He noted that the vice chairmanship position appealed to him because of its strategic importance within the party structure.

“When I considered the vice chair position, I realised it was viable. Even without an extensive campaign, I believed it was achievable. At the very least, I would still be among the top ranks of the leadership. It made strategic sense to me,” he stated.

Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid added that the role offers direct access to the party’s core decision-making processes, particularly through the steering committee.

“The vice chairmanship places you at the decision-making table. You become part of the group that runs the party on a daily basis, involved in key internal decisions and strategy discussions. That level of access was very important to me,” he said.

He further explained that the NPP’s steering committee plays a central role in managing the party’s daily operations.

“The steering committee is responsible for the day-to-day affairs of the party. It includes the Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and other key officers. Being part of it means you are consistently involved in leadership decisions. That is where the real work of the party happens,” he said.

JKB/VPO

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