Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Secures Decisive NPP Flagbearer Victory, Vows Unity Ahead of 2028 Elections

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been officially declared the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) after securing a decisive victory in the party’s presidential primary. Garnering 110,643 votes, which represents 56.48% of the total valid votes cast, the former Vice President outperformed his closest rivals, including Member of Parliament Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who received 23.76% (46,554 votes), and Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who secured 18.53% (36,303 votes). Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo joined thousands of jubilant supporters at the party headquarters, hailing the results as a testament to Bawumia’s intellectual depth and governmental experience. The election, which involved over 211,000 delegates across 333 polling centers, was widely praised for its transparency and peaceful conduct.

Following the declaration, Dr. Bawumia issued a clarion call for unity, urging his fellow contestants and party members to set aside internal factionalism to focus on the 2028 general elections. This sentiment was echoed by high-ranking party elders, including former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye, who lauded Bawumia as the most impactful Vice President in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. Oquaye emphasized that Bawumia’s leadership in digitalization and economic reform—citing initiatives like the GhanaCard and Mobile Money Interoperability—positions him as a formidable challenger to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). In a show of political maturity, defeated candidates including Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum conceded defeat and pledged their full support to the new flagbearer-elect.

Despite the atmosphere of celebration, the primary period revealed significant internal dynamics and minor controversies. Kobina Tahiru Hammond, former MP for Adansi Asokwa, detailed his refusal to support Kennedy Agyapong, citing offensive remarks regarding the suitability of Muslims for the presidency as a breaking point in their relationship. Meanwhile, the NPP leadership in the Effutu Constituency was forced to debunk allegations of delegate intimidation, labeling the claims as baseless. The election also sparked a debate regarding the role of religion in politics after Prophet Elbernard Nelson-Eshun apologized for a failed prophecy predicting an Agyapong victory. Critics, including Election Watch Ghana, urged a shift away from "banku-induced prophecies" toward science-based electoral analysis.

A standout moment of civic dedication occurred in Assin South, where 37-year-old Frank Nti, a physically challenged delegate, crawled 30 meters over rough terrain to cast his vote, symbolizing the deep-seated commitment of the party's grassroots. Looking ahead, former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam warned the NDC to prepare for a "gallant" and aggressive campaign, asserting that the NPP is now consolidated and ready for a three-year mobilization effort. With the leadership transition complete, the NPP enters the next electoral cycle focused on an "Economic Reset" and strategic continuity, aiming to retain power in the 2028 national polls.