Member of Parliament Farouk Aliu Mahama has denied claims that he is plotting to remove Alexander Afenyo-Markin from his leadership role in Parliament. In a statement issued on February 6, 2026, Farouk Mahama dismissed the allegations as unfounded and said they are being spread by people with political motives aimed at creating division within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The controversy started after some political commentators and social media users suggested that Farouk Mahama, who represents Yendi Constituency, had been involved in behind-the-scenes efforts to unseat Afenyo-Markin from his position as Minority Leader in Parliament. Those claims circulated widely and triggered responses from lawmakers across party lines.
In his response, Farouk Mahama described the allegations as “baseless and mischievous,” saying there is no basis for suggestions that he or his supporters are engaged in any kind of leadership challenge against Afenyo-Markin. He said such claims are being used to distract from the work Parliament is doing and to sow discord among members of the NPP and the wider opposition caucus.
Mahama emphasised that he respects Afenyo-Markin’s leadership and understands the role the Minority Leader plays in guiding parliamentary business, particularly at a time when the opposition is organising its strategy ahead of the 2028 general elections. He reiterated his commitment to working with all lawmakers to strengthen the party’s cohesion and legislative agenda.
The MP also called on political actors and media commentators to focus on substantive policy issues—such as economic management, public services and governance—rather than speculation about internal leadership dynamics. He said parliamentary work should centre on delivering results for constituents and addressing national priorities.
Afenyo-Markin himself has not publicly responded to the leadership rumours, but several parliamentarians from both sides have urged unity and cooperation in the chamber. Observers say that while leadership debates are common in politics, unfounded rumours can harm trust and distract from effective lawmaking
