In a significant show of political alignment within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), a delegation of 60 party Members of Parliament has paid a courtesy visit to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to reaffirm their support for his bid to lead the party into the 2028 general elections.
The visit, which took place amid rising anticipation ahead of the party’s January 31, 2026, presidential primaries, underscores Dr. Bawumia’s continued influence within the NPP and signals a growing consolidation of support from within the parliamentary caucus.
Background: A Crowded Race for NPP’s Future
The NPP is heading into a critical transition phase following its loss in the 2024 general elections. With the party focused on rebuilding and selecting a new leader, the flagbearership race has already drawn four heavyweight contenders. In addition to Dr. Bawumia, others in the contest include outspoken Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Minister for Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, and former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.
Dr. Bawumia, who served as Vice President for eight years and was the NPP’s presidential candidate in the 2024 elections, is positioning himself for a comeback after the party’s recent defeat. His continued visibility, especially among the parliamentary bloc, is seen as a crucial step toward re-establishing political momentum.
Overwhelming MP Endorsement
According to members of the delegation, more than 60 out of the NPP’s 88 sitting MPs are firmly aligned with Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy—a signal of strong internal cohesion around his leadership within Parliament.
Notable among the visiting MPs and party stalwarts were Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, NLA Director-General Sammi Awuku, Minister of State at the Local Government Ministry Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, Deputy Majority Chief Whip Habib Iddrisu, and Manhyia South MP Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah.
The group is currently locked in a closed-door meeting with Dr. Bawumia to discuss strategy, party unity, and the road to the January primaries.
Implications for the Primaries
With the NPP leadership emphasizing party restructuring and constitutional reforms ahead of the conference, endorsements from MPs could prove decisive. Dr. Bawumia’s broad parliamentary support places him in a strong position, though the race is expected to be fiercely contested.
Kennedy Agyapong’s populist appeal, Bryan Acheampong’s establishment ties, and Adutwum’s technocratic profile all offer contrasting visions of the party’s future, making unity and consolidation of support crucial for any hopeful.
The January 2026 contest will likely be a defining moment for the NPP as it attempts to chart a new course after its electoral setback and prepare for a potential return to power in 2028.
