The Concerned Traders of the NPP in Kumasi have called for a fresh flagbearer for the party in the 2028 general elections, firmly opposing any move to reintroduce Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the NPP’s candidate.
Speaking on behalf of the group, their leader, Benjamin Ofori, emphasized that the NPP’s resounding defeat in the 2024 elections signals an urgent need for a more viable and widely accepted candidate.
He attributed the party’s electoral failure to a series of unpopular government policies and what he described as the selection of the “wrong candidate” in Dr. Bawumia.
Accordingly, he argued that these factors significantly contributed to the party’s poor performance at the polls.
“The assumption that Dr. Bawumia would secure the northern and Islamic votes did not materialize. Instead, the party suffered significant losses in these areas, eroding the gains the NPP had made since 1992”.
Benjamin Ofori
The group stressed that under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s leadership as the NPP’s presidential candidate, the party suffered a significant defeat in the northern part of the country, losing four out of the five northern regions.
They described this outcome as not only disappointing but also a major setback for the party, considering Dr. Bawumia’s strong ties to the region.
According to the group, this performance undermines any justification for his re-election as flagbearer, calling it an “embarrassing” result that highlights the need for fresh leadership ahead of the 2028 elections.
The group further highlighted that even in Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s home region, the NPP’s performance was underwhelming, as the margin of victory over former President John Mahama was significantly smaller compared to the 2020 elections.
They argued that this decline in support within his own stronghold raises serious concerns about his electoral appeal and ability to rally voters.
In contrast, they noted that John Mahama secured a significantly larger victory margin in his home region, demonstrating a stronger connection with his base.
According to the group, this disparity in performance between the two candidates underscores the need for the NPP to reconsider its leadership choices going into the 2028 elections.
NPP’s Performance Under Bawumia’s Candidacy Highlighted
Furthermore, the Concerned Traders of the NPP expressed deep disappointment over the party’s inability to win a single parliamentary seat in the Upper East and Upper West regions.
The group attributed this failure to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s candidacy, which, they argued, did not resonate with Zongo and Christian voters.
They further highlighted the NPP’s overall poor performance, pointing out that the party lost 58 parliamentary seats nationwide.
More concerning, they noted, was the 24% decline in votes in the Ashanti Region—long considered the party’s stronghold—indicating a significant loss of support.
Dismissing comparisons between Bawumia’s defeat and President Akufo-Addo’s three-time presidential bids, the group’s leader, Benjamin Ofori, stressed that Akufo-Addo performed far better in his electoral losses.
He pointed out that the former President secured 49.7% of the vote in 2008 and 47.7% in 2012—figures notably higher than Bawumia’s 38.4% in 2024.
As such, the group warned that if the party insists on fielding Dr. Bawumia again in 2028, the NPP risks prolonging its stay in opposition for at least 12 years, as his candidacy has failed to inspire broad voter confidence.
“If the party truly wants to return to power in 2028, it must choose a candidate who is a living testimony of good leadership and sound economic policies”.
Benjamin Ofori
In light of these concerns, the group urged NPP members to strongly oppose any attempts to impose Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s flagbearer for the 2028 elections.
They emphasized the need for an open, democratic process that allows for broader consultation and the selection of a more competitive candidate who can restore the party’s electoral strength.
The group also called for a thorough and honest reflection on the 2024 election results, urging party leadership and grassroots members to critically assess the factors behind the NPP’s defeat.
They stressed that only by acknowledging past mistakes and making strategic adjustments can the party position itself for victory in 2028.
According to them, this moment presents an opportunity for renewal, and they cautioned against repeating decisions that could further weaken the party’s chances in future elections.
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