Bawumia Claims Flagbearer Role Will Counter NDC’s Claims and Strengthen NPP
ACCRA — Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia asserts that his potential election as flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will revamp the party’s image and reinforce its inclusivity ahead of Ghana’s 2024 general elections.
According to Ghana News Agency, the vice president during a press gathering at his Accra residence on Thursday, securing the flagbearer position for the NPP will effectively counter the opposition National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) portrayal of the NPP as an ‘Akan party’. He emphasized that his leadership would nullify this narrative and enhance the NPP’s prospects for the 2024 election victory.
Dr. Bawumia, an NPP presidential hopeful, expressed that the upcoming election would reflect the grassroots’ opinion on all presidential candidates. Recalling his political journey from Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana to his role as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Nana Akufo-Addo in 2008, he emphasized his longstanding engagement with party foundations. He also highlighted his involvement as the Party’s Star Witness during the 2012 Election Petition at the Supreme Court and his contributions as Vice President since 2017.
In addition, Dr. Bawumia spotlighted numerous policy initiatives he spearheaded, pointing to their significant impact on Ghana’s economy and society. He branded himself as a ‘grassroots candidate’ rather than one representing the establishment.
The vice president voiced confidence that among the four contenders, he was the most suited to “break the eight-year election cycle” that has characterized Ghanaian politics. His travels across all 275 constituencies in the nation’s 16 regions, he stated, have deepened his understanding of the Party’s base and its challenges.
Dr. Bawumia promised that, if elected flagbearer, he would unite the other candidates and their supporters to present a consolidated front to win the 2024 general election. He touted his campaign as successful and centered on unity, substance, and decorum, steering clear of mudslinging and personal attacks.
Praising his campaign team and delegates for their hospitality, he also acknowledged the support of individuals who contributed to the success of his campaign, which concluded on October 31 in the Upper East Region.
The NPP’s presidential primary, scheduled for November 4, 2023, will involve 204,144 delegates casting their votes at 277 centers distributed across the 275 constituencies. Among them, 563 are proxy voters. Regional party officers are set to vote at designated centers within their respective constituencies. The candidate who secures over 50 percent of the vote will be declared the Party’s flagbearer for the upcoming 2024 Election.