Second Deputy Whip of the Minority Caucus, Jerry Ahmed Shaib
The Second Deputy Whip of the Minority Caucus, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has stated that he cannot declare his support for any of the five aspiring presidential candidates contesting the upcoming January 31, 2026, presidential primaries.
According to Shaib, his position within the caucus leadership prohibits him from openly endorsing any particular candidate.
He made this assertion when asked to name his preferred aspirant in the contest. Appearing on the Frontline programme on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Shaib indicated that his role as Second Deputy Whip makes it inappropriate to openly declare his support.
He affirmed that his loyalty and support are solely for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) rather than for any individual aspirant.
“I am in leadership, and it is important for people to appreciate that after all is said and done, we should be able to play a role for unity. Therefore, I am extremely careful, even though I may have someone I might want to support.”
He further explained to host Kwabena Agyapong that, regardless of his leadership position, voting in the primaries is based on universal adult suffrage and a secret ballot. He asked rhetorically,
“Why should I disclose who I will vote for?”
Shaib, who also serves as the Weija-Gbawe Constituency representative, added that publicly declaring support for a candidate could potentially hurt the sensibilities of constituents and party members.
“I think that if you are not careful, it could hurt the sensibilities of people, and because of that, I have been very cautious about pushing any particular agenda.”
He called for party unity, discipline, and decent campaigning among the aspiring candidates, emphasizing that unity will be crucial — especially after the election of the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.