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Egyapa Mercer Predicts Bawumia to Win NPP Race with Just About 70% of Votes – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In the dynamic landscape of Ghanaian politics, early predictions often set the tone for internal party contests. A recent statement by Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the former Member of Parliament for Sekondi, has generated significant discussion regarding the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary. Mercer has projected a landslide victory for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, estimating that the former Vice President could secure approximately 70% of the total votes cast. This prediction not only highlights Dr. Bawumia’s current standing within the party but also underscores the importance of grassroots support and political momentum in determining electoral outcomes. This article delves into the specifics of Mercer’s prediction, analyzes the underlying factors driving this support, and explores the potential implications for the NPP’s future.

Key Points

To understand the significance of this political forecast, it is essential to break down the core components of Andrew Egyapa Mercer’s statement. The following points summarize the critical elements of his prediction and the context in which it was made:

Projected Vote Share

Mr. Mercer explicitly stated that Dr. Bawumia is positioned to win the NPP flagbearer race with a vote share approaching 70%. This figure suggests a decisive lead over any potential competitors within the party, indicating a consolidation of support that is rare in competitive primaries.

Source of the Prediction

The prediction was made during an interview on Metro TV on Thursday, January 22. As a former MP and a significant figure within the party, Mercer’s insights are viewed as stemming from a deep understanding of the party’s internal dynamics and his observations of the political climate across the country.

Evidence of Support

According to Mercer, the prediction is not based on speculation but on tangible evidence gathered from “party buildings around the nation.” He interprets the sentiment within these local party structures as providing overwhelming grassroots support for Dr. Bawumia, suggesting a disconnect between media narratives and the actual mood of the party faithful.

Leadership Coalition

Mr. Mercer is currently leading a coalition of over 100 former NPP parliamentary candidates from the 2024 elections. This group has thrown its weight behind Dr. Bawumia, creating a formidable network of political experience and influence that is likely to sway voters in the upcoming contest.

Strategic Advantage

The projection extends beyond the primary itself. Mercer argues that a commanding victory for Bawumia would provide the NPP with clarity and unity well ahead of the 2028 general elections. This early consolidation is seen as a strategic advantage that allows the party to focus resources on the general election rather than prolonged internal squabbles.

Background

To fully appreciate the weight of Andrew Egyapa Mercer’s prediction, it is necessary to understand the political context and the key players involved.

Who is Andrew Egyapa Mercer?

Andrew Egyapa Mercer is a Ghanaian lawyer and politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Sekondi. He is a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and has held various roles within the party structure. His transition from a sitting MP to a vocal supporter of Dr. Bawumia places him in a unique position to observe and influence grassroots politics. His leadership in mobilizing former parliamentary candidates signals a coordinated effort to rally support for a specific candidate.

Who is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia?

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the former Vice President of Ghana, having served two terms under President Nana Akufo-Addo. He is an economist by profession, with a background in central banking (having served as a Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana). Bawumia is often credited with spearheading the government’s digitalization agenda. As a presidential candidate, he represents a continuity of NPP policies but also brings a distinct technocratic approach to governance. His candidacy is significant as he seeks to become the first Muslim northerner to lead the NPP as its presidential candidate in a general election.

The NPP Internal Primary System

The New Patriotic Party utilizes an electoral college system for its presidential primaries. This system includes delegates from various sectors of the party, including MPs, Constituency Executives, Regional Executives, and National Executives, as well as special electoral colleges such as Council of Elders and Founding Members. Winning 70% of the votes in such a system requires broad appeal across these diverse groups, making Mercer’s prediction indicative of widespread consensus rather than factional support.

Analysis

Mr. Mercer’s prediction of a 70% victory is a bold claim that warrants a detailed analysis of the factors contributing to such an outcome.

The Role of Grassroots Mobilization

Political analysts often note that while media coverage focuses on high-level debates, elections are won at the grassroots level. Mercer’s reference to “party buildings” suggests that Dr. Bawumia has secured the loyalty of the party’s local structures. In Ghanaian politics, the support of constituency and branch executives is crucial because they are the ones who directly interact with the voting delegates. If Bawumia has indeed secured overwhelming support in these structures, it creates a “bandwagon effect,” where undecided delegates flock to the perceived winner.

The Coalition of Former Candidates

The involvement of over 100 former parliamentary candidates is a significant variable. These individuals are not just members; they are political leaders with their own spheres of influence. By endorsing Bawumia collectively, they are signaling to their local constituencies that Bawumia is the candidate capable of securing the NPP’s victory in the next general election. This coalition serves as a bridge between the party’s elite and its grassroots, potentially bridging any gaps in support.

Accessibility and Record in Office

Mercer attributes the momentum to Bawumia’s “accessibility and record in office.” This is a critical point of analysis. As Vice President, Bawumia was highly visible, often engaging in town halls and policy launches. His record, particularly in digitalization (e.g., the introduction of the Ghana Card and mobile money interoperability), appeals to the youth and the business community. For party delegates, a candidate with a strong track record offers the best chance of retaining power in the 2028 elections.

Strategic Clarity for 2028

The prediction also touches on the psychology of the electorate. Voters generally prefer certainty. If the NPP can present a united front early in the political cycle—by selecting a candidate who commands 70% of the internal vote—it reduces the time spent on internal conflicts and allows for a longer period of national campaigning. Mercer’s analysis suggests that a decisive win for Bawumia would psychologically position the NPP as the party to beat in 2028, regardless of the opposition’s candidate.

Practical Advice

For political observers, party delegates, and citizens following the NPP primary, understanding how to interpret and act on such predictions is vital. Here is a practical guide on how to engage with this information.

For Political Observers and Analysts

Verify Grassroots Sentiment: While Mercer’s claim is strong, observers should cross-reference this with independent polling and reports from other constituencies. Look for patterns in endorsements from various regions—specifically the Ashanti, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions, which hold significant delegate numbers.

Monitor Opponent Reactions: The response of other potential flagbearer aspirants to this prediction will be telling. If they counter with claims of their own grassroots support, it indicates a competitive race. If they remain silent or concede the momentum, it validates the 70% projection.

For NPP Delegates

Evaluate Policy vs. Popularity: Delegates should consider whether the projected support for Dr. Bawumia aligns with their specific constituency needs. While popularity metrics are important, the ability of the candidate to address local economic issues is paramount.

Attend Constituency Meetings: Since Mr. Mercer’s prediction is based on “party buildings,” attending local meetings is the best way to verify these claims personally. The atmosphere at the branch level often predicts the outcome of the national primary.

For General Voters

Understand the Timeline: The NPP primary is an internal party process. General voters should observe how the candidate selected (whether Bawumia or another) pivots their campaign to address national issues.

Focus on Policy Continuity: If Bawumia wins as predicted, voters should analyze his policy manifesto for 2028. A “commanding entrepreneur” (as Mercer put it) will likely emphasize continuity in digitalization and economic management.

FAQ

Conclusion

Andrew Egyapa Mercer’s prediction that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia could secure approximately 70% of the votes in the NPP presidential primary paints a picture of a candidate with significant momentum. Backed by a coalition of former parliamentary candidates and perceived grassroots support, Bawumia appears to be the frontrunner in the race. This projection highlights the importance of accessibility, a record in office, and strategic coalition-building in Ghanaian politics. As the party moves closer to the primary, the focus will likely shift from predicting the winner to understanding the specific policies and strategies that will drive the NPP’s bid for victory in the 2028 general elections.

Sources

The information presented in this article is derived from reports by Life Pulse Daily regarding an interview on Metro TV conducted on January 22, 2026. The original report featured statements made by Andrew Egyapa Mercer concerning the New Patriotic Party’s internal dynamics.