**Inside the NPP’s 2028 Running Mate Race: Who’s Lobbying to Join Dr. Bawumia?**

Introduction

The political landscape in Ghana is heating up as speculation intensifies over who will become Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate for the 2028 presidential election. Recent claims by the Akrofuom MP have named several high-profile NPP figures actively lobbying for this crucial position. This development comes on the heels of Dr. Bawumia’s recent election as the NPP’s flagbearer, setting the stage for what promises to be a fascinating political journey toward the next general elections.

Key Points

Background

The race for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearership concluded with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia securing a decisive victory over four other contenders. His closest challenger, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, trailed significantly, while other candidates including Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Kwabena Agyepong received minimal support. This victory positioned Dr. Bawumia as the party’s standard-bearer for the 2028 presidential election.

With the flagbearer position settled, attention has naturally shifted to who will complement Dr. Bawumia on the ticket. The running mate selection is crucial in Ghanaian politics, as it can influence regional balance, demographic appeal, and overall electoral strategy. The position carries significant political weight and often serves as a stepping stone to future leadership roles within the party.

Analysis

The allegations made by Joseph Azumah, the Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, have sent ripples through Ghana’s political circles. His claims that multiple senior NPP figures are actively lobbying for the running mate position suggest an intense behind-the-scenes competition that could shape the party’s future direction.

The named individuals each bring unique strengths to the table. NAPO (Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh) brings extensive experience as a former running mate and has strong support bases in certain regions. Kwabena Agyepong, despite his poor showing in the flagbearership race, maintains significant influence within party structures. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s long-standing service as Majority Leader provides him with institutional knowledge and connections. Sarah Adwoa Safo’s presence would address gender representation concerns and potentially appeal to specific voter demographics.

However, Dr. Bawumia’s spokesperson, Kofi Tonto, has categorically dismissed these claims as unfounded. This swift rebuttal suggests either that the lobbying activities are not as extensive as alleged, or that the Bawumia camp prefers to control the narrative around the running mate selection process. The statement emphasizing Dr. Bawumia’s focus on party unity following the contentious primaries indicates a strategic approach to managing internal party dynamics.

The timing of these allegations is particularly interesting, coming just weeks after the flagbearership election. This suggests that political positioning for 2028 has already begun in earnest, with various factions within the NPP likely positioning their preferred candidates for the crucial running mate slot.

Practical Advice

For political observers and NPP supporters, this situation offers several important considerations:

1. **Patience is Key**: The running mate selection process typically occurs closer to the election date, allowing the flagbearer to assess the political landscape and party needs.

2. **Watch Party Unity Efforts**: Dr. Bawumia’s immediate focus on uniting the party post-primaries suggests that internal cohesion will be prioritized before any running mate announcements.

3. **Consider Regional Balance**: Ghanaian elections often hinge on regional dynamics, so the eventual choice will likely consider geographic representation and electoral mathematics.

4. **Monitor Stakeholder Consultations**: The selection process typically involves extensive consultations with party elders, regional executives, and other key stakeholders.

5. **Prepare for Speculation**: As the 2028 election approaches, expect continued speculation and maneuvering around the running mate position.

FAQ

Conclusion

The claims about lobbying activities for Dr. Bawumia’s running mate position highlight the intense political calculations already underway within the NPP as the party prepares for the 2028 election. Whether these specific allegations prove accurate or not, they underscore the importance of the running mate selection in Ghanaian politics and the strategic considerations that will shape the NPP’s approach to the next general election.

As Dr. Bawumia focuses on party unity and strategic planning, political observers should watch for official announcements and the consultative processes that will ultimately determine who joins him on the ticket. The eventual choice will likely reflect a careful balance of experience, regional representation, demographic appeal, and electoral strategy as the NPP positions itself for what promises to be a closely contested 2028 presidential election.