By Ishmael Junourgh 
Politics often celebrates victory. Yet for Hon. Majeed Salifu, the journey to becoming Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Sissala East Constituency was shaped more by defeat than triumph.
Twice he sought election as the party’s constituency secretary and twice he lost. Many political careers have ended after repeated setbacks. His, however, took a different path.
Rather than withdrawing from party activities, he remained active, continued building relationships across the constituency and eventually contested for the chairmanship; a race he won.
Today, as the NPP reorganises its structures from the constituency level through to the regional and national elections, Mr. Salifu believes his greatest responsibility is not merely leading a political party but healing divisions and preparing it for the future.
“We are working together as one party now,” he said in an interview with Bridge News. “Our constituency executive elections were peaceful, and that is the foundation upon which we want to build.“
Campaigning through pain
Behind his victory lies a story of personal sacrifice.
During the previous election period, Mr. Salifu sustained a fracture that required medical attention. Instead of abandoning the campaign, he relied on medication to continue visiting communities and meeting delegates.
Only after the elections did he travel to Wa for treatment. He has since been discharged and is recovering steadily at home while continuing to oversee constituency affairs. The experience, he says, strengthened his resolve to serve.
Winning people, not just elections
Mr. Salifu attributes his electoral success less to campaign resources than to the relationships he has cultivated over the years.
He believes politics should not create permanent enemies.
“It is not everybody who will vote for you,” he reflected. “But I have never discriminated against those who didn’t support me, neither have I borne grudges against anyone.“
According to him, respect, humility and reconciliation formed the central message of his campaign.
“I value people,” he said. “That is what won me the election.“
A plea for issue-based leadership
As the party prepares for its regional and national internal elections, the constituency chairman has a message for delegates: choose leaders based on competence rather than money.
He urged party members to examine the character, vision and performance of aspirants instead of focusing solely on financial inducements.
“The interest of the party should always come first,” he said. “Delegates should study the track records of candidates. Leadership should not simply be about who spends the most money.“
He believes his own election demonstrates that credibility and trust can still triumph over financial influence.
Mr. Salifu also observed encouraging signs of unity during the ongoing regional campaigns, noting that rival camps visiting Sissala East have largely avoided personal attacks. “That tells me the message of unity is gradually taking root,” he said.
Johannes Jafo Akunatu