NPP Flagbearer Race: Party Heavyweights, Grassroots Rally Behind Bawumia

With the New Patriotic Party (NPP) officially opening nominations for its 2028 flagbearer race, early signs point to former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia emerging as the overwhelming favourite.

More than 200,000 delegates will vote to select the party’s presidential candidate for the 2028 general election, with support coming from organised blocs spanning the grassroots to the parliamentary leadership. According to party insiders, Dr Bawumia has secured endorsements from most of the influential groups that traditionally decide the outcome of the contest.

One of the most critical blocs, the NPP’s parliamentary caucus of 88 members, has tilted heavily in his favour. A senior party source told this outlet that 62 MPs from across the country are backing Dr Bawumia, compared to eight supporting former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong and seven backing Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong. Nine MPs remain undecided.

The former Vice-President’s momentum extends beyond Parliament. In July, more than 200 former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) publicly endorsed him. He is also said to enjoy the loyalty of most regional and constituency chairmen, as well as a commanding presence among the grassroots.

Perhaps the most decisive boost came on Tuesday, August 12, when about 490 of the party’s 552 youth organisers, key mobilisers in all 275 constituencies, issued a joint statement endorsing Dr Bawumia’s candidacy. Many grassroots members reportedly see his retention as consistent with the NPP’s tradition since 1996 of allowing presidential candidates a second run.

While Dr Bawumia has yet to pick up his nomination forms, rivals Kennedy Agyapong and Dr Bryan Acheampong have already done so. Party insiders predict a competitive process but believe major blocs will ultimately consolidate around the former Vice-President.