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Former Jasikan MCE Elizabeth Adjornor Defects to Bawumia: A Major Blow to Bryan Acheampong’s Campaign

Introduction

The political landscape within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is witnessing significant tremors just weeks ahead of the crucial presidential primaries. In a development that has sent ripples through the party hierarchy, Elizabeth Anim Kessewaah Adjornor, a prominent figure and former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Jasikan, has publicly announced her resignation from Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s campaign team.

Adjornor, who served as a senior campaign coordinator for the Jasikan Constituency, has officially crossed the carpet to join the camp of former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. This defection is not merely a change of allegiance; it represents a strategic realignment that could influence voter sentiment in the Oti Region and beyond. In this comprehensive analysis, we break down the details of her resignation, the emotional weight of her apology to Dr. Bawumia, and the broader implications for the NPP flagbearership race.

Key Points

Background

To understand the weight of this defection, one must look at the political standing of the individuals involved. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, has been positioning himself as a viable contender for the NPP flagbearer position. His campaign relies heavily on building a coalition of grassroots support across various constituencies, including the Oti Region.

Elizabeth Adjornor was a key asset in this strategy. As a former Municipal Chief Executive, she possesses deep community ties and political capital in Jasikan. Her role as a “senior marketing campaign coordinator” was critical for mobilizing delegates and voters in her constituency.

Conversely, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia remains the frontrunner and the preferred candidate for a vast majority of the NPP base. Losing a high-profile coordinator from his rival’s camp to his own is a rare political occurrence that highlights the magnetic pull of the former Vice President’s candidacy.

Analysis: Why This Defection Matters

The Strategic Loss for Bryan Acheampong

For Dr. Acheampong, the loss of Elizabeth Adjornor is more than just a personnel change; it is a symbolic blow. In Ghanaian politics, the loyalty of coordinators often dictates the voting patterns of their immediate networks. By losing a senior coordinator in Jasikan, the Acheampong campaign risks losing the grassroots momentum necessary to challenge the front-runner.

The Power of Conviction and “Returning Home”

Adjornor’s statement emphasizes “conviction” and “conscience.” This language suggests that her move is ideological rather than transactional. By framing her return to the Bawumia camp as “returning home,” she is signaling to other undecided voters that the Bawumia camp is the natural home for true party loyalists. This narrative is powerful in party politics, as it frames the opposition as the “out-group” and Bawumia as the “in-group.”

The Psychology of the Apology

Perhaps the most impactful element of Adjornor’s statement is her apology. She admits that her previous support for Acheampong may have inadvertently drawn people away from Bawumia. By explicitly asking those supporters to “return home,” she is attempting to reverse the political damage she may have caused. This act of humility is designed to rebuild bridges and consolidate the Bawumia vote ahead of the primaries.

Practical Advice: Understanding Political Defections

For political observers and voters trying to make sense of the 2024/2025 NPP primaries, here are key factors to consider when analyzing defections like Elizabeth Adjornor’s:

1. Look Beyond the Headlines

While headlines focus on the “blow” to a campaign, defections are often a reflection of internal polling and perceived viability. When a coordinator jumps ship, it often indicates they have crunched the numbers and believe the other candidate has a stronger chance of winning the general election.

2. The Ripple Effect

As Adjornor noted, one person’s public stance can sway “a substantial number of people.” In constituency-level politics, delegates often look to their local leaders for guidance. Therefore, a single high-profile defection can trigger a domino effect, leading to a mass migration of support.

3. The Importance of “Returning Home”

Political language matters. By using the phrase “return home,” Adjornor is tapping into a sense of party unity. For voters, the advice is to look for candidates who prioritize the party’s cohesion and future success over individual ambition. This rhetoric is designed to soothe internal conflicts and prepare the ground for the general election.

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Conclusion

The resignation of Elizabeth Adjornor from Bryan Acheampong’s campaign to join Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is a defining moment in the final stretch of the NPP primaries. It underscores the volatility of political alliances and the critical importance of grassroots coordination. Her public apology and call for supporters to “return home” serve as a potent reminder that in the race for the NPP flagbearership, loyalty and perceived viability are the currencies that buy votes. As the primaries approach, all eyes will be on the Jasikan Constituency to see if this defection triggers the wave of support Adjornor predicts.