As the dust settles from the 2024 elections, the conversation within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is already shifting towards the 2028 presidential race.
The jostling for the leadership of the party is taking the centre stage in the party’s reorganisation agenda.
Even though 2028 is four years away, political gladiators are lacing their boots to jump into the trenches in their quest to secure the slate for the party leadership positions.
A recent poll by Global InfoAnalytics has revealed that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, remains the leading figure for the party’s flagbearership slot in the 2028 presidential race.
However, with other key figures like Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, and Bryan Acheampong also positioning themselves, the race is far from decided.
Kwabena Agyepong, Francis Addai Nimo and Boakye Agyarko are also interested in leading the party while Alan Kyerematen has kissed a goodbye to politics following his abysmal showing in the 2024 elections with his butterfly agenda.
Dr. Bawumia, the former Vice President, has been the face of the NPP’s 2024 presidential campaign with his ‘its possible’ mantra.
Dr Bawumia who is about to start a nationwide thank you tour to reconnect with the party’s base still believes that its possible to lead the country with his digitalisation agenda.
Despite his loss to President John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 general elections, Mahamudu Bawumia remains the overwhelming favourite to lead the party again in 2028.
According to the poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics, the former vice president commands 48% of the overall vote when it comes to the potential 2028 NPP leadership race, with 57% of NPP supporters backing him as their preferred candidate.
This strong showing places him firmly in the front seat for the 2028 election, but his journey has not been without challenges.
In 2024, Dr. Bawumia was unable to defeat John Mahama, despite months of campaigning.
The poll indicated a last-minute shift in voter allegiance, with 14% of those who initially planned to vote for him switching to John Mahama in the final days of the campaign.
This, however, does not seem to have significantly impacted his position for 2028, where his continued influence within the NPP and strong base of support appear unshaken.
In a significant piece of information from the poll, Dr. Bawumia’s leadership as the former Vice President and his role as the Presidential candidate helped solidify his position within the NPP, signaling a strong continuity of support among party members.
This suggests that despite the electoral setback, his position as the party’s preferred leader for 2028 remains firm.
Not even attempts to play tribal and religious card would change the status quo.
Kennedy Agyapong: A Strong Challenger With Deep Roots
Kennedy Agyapong, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central and a perennial figure within the NPP, also shows strong potential in the 2028 race.
Having been a Presidential hopeful in the past, Kennedy has significant grassroots support, with 25% of the overall vote and 22% of NPP supporters backing him for 2028.
Although he trails Dr. Bawumia by a considerable margin, his influence within the party, particularly among the NPP’s more conservative and rural base, cannot be overlooked.
Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign for the 2024 election was widely discussed, though he ultimately did not secure the nomination.
However, his political career and his position as a key player within the NPP make him a formidable force in the 2028 race.
He is trying to play the tribal card which may backfire.
Osei Yaw Adutwum: The Newcomer
Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, who served as the Minister for Education under President Akufo-Addo’s administration, is another name that has emerged as a potential contender for the NPP’s 2028 flagbearership.
As a first-time presidential aspirant, Adutwum is a relative newcomer to the political spotlight, but his work as an educator and his political role have earned him respect within the party.
While he currently sits at 13% in the Global InfoAnalytics poll, his candidacy could resonate with the younger, more reform-minded faction of the NPP.
He recently engaged some university lecturers to delve into his chances of leading the party.
His popularity is in serious doubt and may not show any strong challenge for the race.
Bryan Acheampong: Another Possible Challenger
Bryan Acheampong, the former Minister for Agriculture and current Member of Parliament for Abetifi, is another figure whose name has been floated as a possible contender for the NPP leadership.
Known for his influential role in the Akufo-Addo administration and his strong connections within the party, Acheampong’s potential candidacy could further complicate the race for the 2028 nomination.
He is seen as a power broker but he is losing steam among his peers in parliament therefore making it difficult to get the needed grassroots support.
He is said to be putting up an elaborate campaign office with Abu Jinapor likely to partner him.
The NPP’s Struggles
The 2024 electoral defeat has left the NPP with significant internal divisions and questions about its future direction.
The poll also revealed that a large portion of voters, specifically 68%, blame former President Nana Akufo-Addo for the party’s loss in 2024.
Despite these challenges, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s overwhelming support within the NPP suggests that party members are inclined toward continuity, even after the disappointing result in 2024.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
