Don’t exchange your working mate — Prof. Sarpong advises Bawumia after number one win – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefFebruary 2, 20263 Mins read27
Don’t Exchange Your Running Mate — Prof. Sarpong Advises Bawumia After Number One Win
In the wake of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s decisive victory in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries, a senior researcher at Kumasi Technical University (KTU) has offered strategic advice to help the party maintain momentum ahead of the 2028 general elections. Prof. Smart Sarpong’s recommendations focus on party unity, parliamentary strength, and early constituency planning.
Key Points
- Prof. Smart Sarpong advises Dr. Bawumia to retain his current running mate for stability
- Securing the 87 NPP Members of Parliament is crucial for party cohesion
- Early selection of parliamentary candidates in "orphan constituencies" is recommended
- Prof. Sarpong suggests completing internal processes by February 2027
- Dr. Bawumia won the NPP presidential primaries with 110,643 votes
Background
The New Patriotic Party recently concluded its presidential primaries on January 31, 2026, with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerging as the clear winner. The former Vice President secured 110,643 votes out of 195,901 valid votes cast, demonstrating strong support within the party. His closest competitor, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, received 46,554 votes, followed by Dr. Bryan Acheampong with 36,303 votes.
Following his primary victory, Dr. Bawumia has been focusing on building a strong foundation for the 2028 general elections. The party’s National Council had previously approved Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as his running mate for the 2024 elections, a decision that Prof. Sarpong believes should remain unchanged.
Analysis
Prof. Sarpong’s strategic advice comes at a critical juncture for the NPP as they prepare for future electoral contests. His first recommendation to retain the current running mate is rooted in the principle of political stability. Changing key positions within the party hierarchy can often lead to internal discord and voter confusion, potentially weakening the party’s electoral prospects.
The emphasis on securing the 87 Members of Parliament reflects an understanding of the importance of legislative strength in Ghanaian politics. By avoiding unnecessary competition among incumbent MPs, the party can present a united front and minimize internal conflicts that could distract from broader electoral goals.
The focus on “orphan constituencies” demonstrates strategic thinking about resource allocation and candidate preparation. By identifying and preparing candidates for these seats early, the NPP can maximize its chances of expanding its parliamentary representation in future elections.
Practical Advice
For political parties and candidates looking to implement similar strategies, consider the following practical steps:
1. **Maintain Stability in Key Positions**: Resist the urge to make frequent changes to important roles, especially running mates and party executives.
2. **Foster Unity Among Incumbents**: Create forums for dialogue and collaboration among sitting MPs to prevent factionalism.
3. **Early Candidate Identification**: Begin the process of identifying and preparing candidates for challenging constituencies well in advance of elections.
4. **Timeline Management**: Set clear internal deadlines for completing key processes, such as candidate selection, to ensure adequate preparation time.
5. **Resource Allocation**: Prioritize resources for constituencies where the party has the best chance of success or where strategic gains can be made.
FAQ
**Q: Why is it important for Dr. Bawumia to retain his current running mate?**
A: Retaining the current running mate provides stability and continuity, which can be crucial for maintaining party unity and presenting a consistent message to voters.
**Q: What are “orphan constituencies”?**
A: Orphan constituencies are electoral areas where the party does not currently have a sitting Member of Parliament. These are often seen as opportunities for expansion.
**Q: How soon should the NPP select candidates for orphan constituencies?**
A: Prof. Sarpong recommends completing this process by February 2027, allowing ample time for campaign preparation before the 2028 elections.
**Q: What was the voter turnout in the NPP presidential primaries?**
A: Out of 196,462 votes cast, 195,901 were valid, with 561 ballots rejected.
**Q: Who were the top contenders in the NPP presidential primaries?**
A: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia won with 110,643 votes, followed by Kennedy Ohene Agyapong with 46,554 votes, and Dr. Bryan Acheampong with 36,303 votes.
Conclusion
Prof. Smart Sarpong’s strategic advice to Dr. Bawumia and the NPP offers valuable insights into effective political party management and electoral preparation. By focusing on stability, unity, and early planning, the NPP can position itself strongly for the 2028 general elections. As Ghanaian politics continues to evolve, such strategic thinking will be crucial for parties aiming to maintain or gain power.
The emphasis on retaining key positions, securing parliamentary strength, and early constituency planning provides a roadmap for political success that extends beyond the NPP to other parties and political organizations. As the political landscape in Ghana continues to develop, these strategies may well influence how parties approach future elections and internal management.
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