Bawumia on the right track to secured over 65% in NPP presidential primaries – Egyapa Mercer

By Life Pulse Daily Staff | Published: January 8, 2026, 7:10 PM GMT

Introduction

In a bold statement that has captured the attention of Ghanaian political observers, former Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has declared that former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is on the right track to secure more than 65 percent of the votes in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) upcoming presidential primaries. Scheduled for January 31, 2026, the primaries are a critical step in the NPP’s journey to reclaim power in the 2028 general elections. Egyapa Mercer’s prediction, made during a radio interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, underscores a growing momentum for Bawumia within the party and highlights the strategic importance of endorsements from former parliamentary candidates.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the statement, its context within the NPP’s internal dynamics, and the implications for the party’s leadership race. We will explore the factors driving Bawumia’s support, examine the broader political landscape, and offer practical insights for party members and political analysts.

Key Points

Background

The NPP Presidential Primaries

The New Patriotic Party, one of Ghana’s two dominant political parties, holds presidential primaries to select its flagbearer for the general elections. The 2026 primaries are particularly significant as they follow the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections, which saw the National Democratic Congress (NDC) return to power. The primaries will determine who will lead the party’s campaign to regain the presidency in 2028.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia: Profile

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia served as Vice President of Ghana from 2017 to 2025 under President Nana Akufo-Addo. A trained economist with a PhD from Simon Fraser University in Canada, Bawumia is widely recognized for his expertise in monetary policy and financial inclusion. Before his vice-presidency, he was Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana and has authored several publications on macroeconomic policy.

Bawumia’s tenure as Vice President was marked by initiatives such as the digitization of government services, the National Identification System (Ghana Card), and efforts to expand financial inclusion through mobile money interoperability. His technocratic background and communication skills have made him a prominent figure within the NPP and among the Ghanaian public.

Andrew Egyapa Mercer: The Endorser

Andrew Egyapa Mercer served as the Member of Parliament for Sekondi from 2017 to 2025. A former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, he is known for his articulate advocacy and engagement with youth and development issues. Mercer’s endorsement carries weight due to his experience in electoral politics and his connections within the party’s grassroots structures.

Analysis

The Significance of the 65 Percent Prediction

Egyapa Mercer’s prediction that Bawumia will secure over 65 percent of the votes is more than a numerical forecast; it signals a strategic assessment of the party’s internal dynamics. In the context of the NPP primaries, a 65 percent threshold would represent a decisive victory, potentially minimizing internal divisions and consolidating the party around a single candidate early in the campaign cycle.

Such a margin would also send a strong message to the electorate and other political actors about the NPP’s unity and the strength of its candidate. Historically, primary victories with substantial margins have been associated with candidates who can mobilize broad support across different factions within the party.

The Role of Former Parliamentary Candidates

The endorsement by 118 former NPP parliamentary candidates is a strategic move that leverages the influence of individuals who have direct experience with electoral campaigns. These candidates often maintain strong connections with local party structures and grassroots members, making their endorsements valuable in shaping opinion.

Egyapa Mercer noted that the number of endorsers could increase to 142, indicating ongoing efforts to build a broad coalition of support. This approach reflects an understanding that success in the primaries requires not only high-profile endorsements but also the mobilization of networks that can influence voting behavior at the constituency level.

Internal Party Dynamics and Unity

The NPP has experienced internal debates and factions in the aftermath of the 2024 electoral defeat. The primaries present an opportunity to address these divisions and unify the party around a common vision. Egyapa Mercer emphasized that the endorsement of Bawumia is not intended to undermine other aspirants, a statement that seeks to maintain party cohesion during a competitive process.

By framing the endorsement as a conviction based on merit rather than personal allegiance, the endorsers aim to position Bawumia as a unifying figure capable of leading the party’s recovery. This narrative is crucial for building consensus and minimizing the risk of prolonged internal conflicts that could weaken the party’s prospects in the general elections.

Strategic Communication and Public Perception

The timing and platform of Egyapa Mercer’s statement—during a live radio interview—are indicative of a deliberate communication strategy. Radio remains a powerful medium in Ghana, particularly for reaching diverse audiences across urban and rural areas. By choosing this platform, the endorsers ensure that their message reaches a broad segment of the party’s base and the general public.

The emphasis on Bawumia’s qualifications and the thoroughness of the endorsement process (extensive consultations) serves to reinforce his credibility and the legitimacy of the support he has garnered. This approach aims to counter any narratives that might question the depth or authenticity of his backing within the party.

Practical Advice

For NPP Members and Voters

• Evaluate Candidates Holistically: Consider not only endorsements but also the candidates’ policy positions, leadership experience, and vision for the party and the nation.
• Engage in Informed Dialogue: Participate in discussions within your constituency to understand the perspectives of fellow members and to contribute to a well-informed decision-making process.
• Focus on Unity: Prioritize the long-term strength of the party over short-term factional interests. A united NPP is better positioned to challenge for power in 2028.
• Verify Information: Seek information from multiple sources and verify claims to ensure that your decision is based on accurate and comprehensive data.

For Political Observers and Analysts

• Monitor Endorsement Patterns: Track endorsements from various party stakeholders, including former candidates, regional executives, and youth and women’s wings, to gauge the breadth of support for each aspirant.
• Assess Campaign Strategies: Evaluate how candidates are engaging with grassroots members, their messaging, and their ability to address the concerns of different demographics within the party.
• Consider Historical Precedents: Analyze past NPP primaries to identify patterns in voter behavior and the factors that have contributed to successful candidacies.
• Focus on Policy Platforms: Encourage aspirants to present clear and actionable policy proposals that address Ghana’s current challenges and align with the party’s principles.

FAQ

Conclusion

Andrew Egyapa Mercer’s prediction that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will secure over 65 percent of the votes in the NPP presidential primaries highlights a significant moment in the party’s internal dynamics. The endorsement by a substantial number of former parliamentary candidates underscores Bawumia’s growing support base and the strategic efforts to position him as the leading contender for the party’s leadership.

As the NPP prepares for its primaries, the focus will be on how candidates engage with members, present their visions, and contribute to the party’s unity. The outcome of the primaries will not only determine the NPP’s flagbearer for 2028 but also shape the party’s trajectory in the years to come.

For party members, the primaries offer an opportunity to participate in a democratic process that will influence the direction of the NPP and, by extension, the nation. Informed engagement, constructive dialogue, and a commitment to unity will be essential in ensuring that the party emerges stronger and better prepared to serve the people of Ghana.

Sources

• Asempa FM – Ekosii Sen Programme (Interview with Andrew Egyapa Mercer, January 8, 2026)
• New Patriotic Party Official Website – Primaries Information
• Ghana Electoral Commission – Party Registration and Primary Guidelines
• Public Statements by Former NPP Parliamentary Candidates (January 2026)
• Biographical Information on Dr Mahamudu Bawumia – Office of the Former Vice President
• Biographical Information on Andrew Egyapa Mercer – Parliament of Ghana Archives

Note: This article is based on publicly available information and statements made by the individuals mentioned. The analysis and advice provided are intended for informational purposes and do not constitute legal or political endorsement.