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Bawumia Appeals to NPP Delegates: ‘Vote for Me on Competence, Track Record, and Vision’

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has made a passionate appeal to the delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging them to prioritize executive competence, integrity, and a proven track record over regional considerations in the upcoming presidential primaries scheduled for January 31.

Introduction

In a strategic move to consolidate support ahead of the critical January 31 primaries, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has appealed to NPP delegates to base their selection of a flagbearer on merit rather than sentiment. Speaking during a campaign tour in the Savannah Region, specifically in Damongo, Dr. Bawumia positioned himself as the candidate best equipped to return the NPP to power in the 2028 general elections. This article analyzes his message, the context of his campaign, and what his appeal means for the internal dynamics of the New Patriotic Party.

Key Points

Background

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is currently navigating the process of selecting a presidential candidate to lead the party into the 2028 elections. This follows the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who served as Vice President under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is a prominent figure in this race. His campaign is built on his extensive experience in economic management and governance.

Dr. Bawumia’s recent campaign tour of the Savannah Region is part of a broader nationwide effort to secure the support of party delegates. The Savannah Region, located in the northern part of Ghana, is a strategic area. However, Bawumia’s message during his stop in Damongo was clear: his candidacy should not be viewed through a regional lens.

Analysis

Dr. Bawumia’s appeal represents a sophisticated understanding of the psychology of party delegates and the broader political landscape. By explicitly asking supporters not to vote for him simply because he is “from the north,” he attempts to inoculate his campaign against accusations of tribalism or regionalism. This is a significant rhetorical strategy designed to appeal to the party’s nationalistic ethos.

Competence as the Primary Currency

The central pillar of Bawumia’s argument is competence. In political science, “competence” is often the most valued trait in a leader during times of economic uncertainty. By framing his tenure as Vice President as a “foundation” for the presidency, he is suggesting that the leap from Vice President to President is a natural, low-risk progression. He cites external validation—being “adjudged by many people to be the most effective Vice President”—to lend objective credibility to his subjective claim.

The 2028 Comeback Narrative

Bawumia is also positioning himself as the vehicle for the party’s recovery. The statement, “I believe that this party, the NPP, under my leadership, will come back to power,” is a direct response to the party’s current political reality. He is offering himself not just as a candidate, but as a guaranteed winner, invoking divine assistance (“by the grace of God”) to reinforce the certainty of his promise.

Practical Advice

For political analysts, party observers, and delegates trying to evaluate this appeal, here is a practical framework for understanding the implications:

For Delegates Evaluating Candidates

When evaluating Dr. Bawumia’s appeal, delegates should consider the distinction between executive experience and electoral viability. While Bawumia emphasizes his record as Vice President, delegates must weigh whether that record translates into the ability to win a general election against the opposing party. His call to focus on “track record” invites a rigorous audit of his specific policy implementations during his tenure.

Understanding the “Northern” Factor

By downplaying regional politics, Bawumia is attempting to widen his appeal beyond his base. This is a classic “big tent” strategy. For delegates, this signals that the candidate is seeking a national consensus rather than a regional coalition. Delegates should look for similar appeals from other candidates to see how the “region vs. merit” debate shapes the primary.

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Conclusion

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s appeal to NPP delegates is a calculated move to shift the focus of the internal election from identity politics to performance and capability. By asserting that his track record as Vice President provides the necessary foundation for the presidency, he is making a case for continuity and experienced leadership. As the January 31 deadline approaches, his message of competence and his pledge to restore the NPP to power will likely remain the cornerstone of his engagement with the party’s decision-makers.