118 Former NPP Parliamentary Candidates Back Bawumia for Party Leadership

A significant bloc of New Patriotic Party members has thrown its weight behind Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the race to lead Ghana's main opposition party into future elections.

118 former NPP parliamentary candidates from the 2024 general elections publicly endorsed Bawumia on Thursday, adding substantial momentum to his campaign ahead of the party's presidential primaries set for January 31, 2026. The endorsement represents one of the largest collective shows of support within the party's internal leadership contest.

The former candidates announced their decision at a press conference in Accra, describing it as a demonstration of unity within the NPP following the party's electoral setback in 2024.

Their endorsement follows an earlier declaration of support from 63 NPP Members of Parliament who retained their seats in the last elections. Together, these endorsements signal growing consolidation around Bawumia's candidacy within the party's parliamentary wing.

The group emphasized that their support emerged from extensive consultations across party structures rather than top-down pressure. They said they engaged with polling station executives, constituency leaders, councils of elders, and various community stakeholders including market women, farmers, youth groups, and traditional authorities.

The former parliamentary candidates cited Bawumia's track record as Ghana's Vice President under the previous NPP administration as the foundation for their support.

They highlighted his role in the country's digital transformation initiatives, economic policy contributions, and leadership of programs like the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. The group described these achievements as evidence of competence, innovation, and vision.

"Our support is grounded in sober analysis, duty and conviction, not influenced by inducement, coercion or pressure," the group stated, addressing potential criticism about the motivations behind mass endorsements in political contests.

The former candidates presented Bawumia as the party's most viable path back to power, pointing to his policy focus on digitalization, economic transformation, infrastructure development, agricultural modernization, and governance reform.

The NPP finds itself in opposition after losing both the presidency and its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general elections. President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress won the presidential contest, marking a political comeback after previously serving as president from 2012 to 2017.

For the NPP, the upcoming primaries represent more than just selecting a flagbearer. The choice will determine the party's direction, messaging, and electoral strategy as it seeks to rebuild and position itself for future contests.

Bawumia served as Vice President during the NPP's previous term in government and was the party's presidential candidate in 2024. His campaign for party leadership faces the challenge of addressing the NPP's recent electoral losses while maintaining support among the party's base.

While the endorsements demonstrate significant backing for Bawumia within parliamentary and candidate circles, party primaries typically involve broader participation from grassroots members and delegates.

The NPP's internal democracy allows party members to vote for leadership, meaning the outcome will depend on support beyond parliamentary figures. Other candidates in the race will need to mobilize their own coalitions among party delegates and regional structures.

Political analysts note that such endorsements can influence delegate perceptions but don't guarantee primary outcomes, particularly in competitive internal contests where regional dynamics and grassroots sentiment play crucial roles.

Ghana's political stability and democratic transitions have made it a reference point in West Africa, a region that has experienced democratic backsliding and military coups in recent years.

The NPP's internal leadership process and the broader competition between Ghana's two main parties will shape the country's political trajectory heading toward the next general election cycle. International observers and regional partners watch Ghana's democratic processes as indicators of political health in West Africa.

For Ghana's economy and policy direction, the leadership of the opposition NPP matters because the party's positions on economic management, digitalization, and regional integration influence national debate and could shape future governance if the party returns to power.

The NPP will hold its presidential primaries on January 31, 2026, when party delegates will vote to select their leader and presidential candidate for future elections.

Between now and the primaries, candidates will campaign across Ghana's regions, seeking support from party delegates who will cast decisive votes. The competition will test organizational strength, grassroots appeal, and the ability to unite various factions within the NPP.

The outcome will not only determine who leads the NPP but also shape Ghana's political landscape as the party rebuilds its base and prepares for future electoral contests against the governing NDC. DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. Views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Source News Ghana. Report errors: markossourcegroup@gmail.com