Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has formally filed his nomination to contest the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2026 presidential primaries, reaffirming his intention to lead the party into the 2028 general election.
The NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate, who lost to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the last polls, declared that his bid to retain the flagbearer position was driven not by personal ambition but by duty to the party and to Ghana.
“Let me start by expressing my most profound gratitude to those of you here and those watching from across the country for joining me as we embark on this journey, not for myself but for our nation and our party. It is with a deep sense of purpose that I announce formally my bid to be retained as the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party for the 2028 general election.”
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr Bawumia described the decision as the result of deep reflection and consultation. “I offer myself for a second time to bear the flag of the NPP after having listened extensively to the demands of the party and the nation,” he explained.
Situating his candidacy within the history of the NPP tradition, he recalled the contributions of party stalwarts such as J.B. Danquah, K.A. Busia, and Edward Akufo-Addo, noting that each generation of leaders had embodied particular virtues in moments of national challenge.
“The NPP and Ghana are demanding a leader who embodies the values of this tradition: deep intellect, humility, respect for all persons, unity, courage, foresight, and resilience.
“Dear citizens, as the NPP is looking for a leader who embodies the character of this party’s tradition and the values of our forebears, I, Mahamudu Bawumia, offer myself to lead the party for the 2028 elections”.
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
An Election for the Soul of NPP
Calling the upcoming primary “an election for the soul of this party,” Dr Bawumia urged delegates to focus on preserving the principles that have guided the NPP since its founding. “The choice we make on January 31st will determine whether or not this party will hold on to the values that make us great or become a new party focused on deepening the chasm between the rich and the poor,” he stated.
He argued that his candidacy represented continuity and readiness, stressing that he has built recognition across the country during his 16 years of active service to the NPP.
“As a result of this, there is no village or hamlet or city or town where Mahamudu Bawumia’s face and name are not known. I owe this party a duty that if we are to win 2028, we ought not to start afresh from zero. Instead, we ought to build on the nearly 42 percent of valid votes and work to cross the 50 percent mark in the next election.”
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Track Record
Pointing to his record as Vice President, Dr Bawumia cited several policy innovations he championed, particularly in the areas of digitalization and economic reform.
These include the mobile money interoperability platform, the Ghana card rollout, the digital property addressing system, drone delivery of medical supplies, and the universal QR code payment system.
He also highlighted broader initiatives such as Agenda 111, one constituency–one ambulance, the Zongo Development Fund, and paperless port reforms.
“The implementation of these practical policy initiatives has resulted in many people saying that I have been the most effective vice president in Ghana’s history. This implies that given the opportunity, I can equally become one of the most effective presidents in Ghana as we go forward”.
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr Bawumia maintained that his approach to leadership is results-oriented. “I demonstrate my strength by getting results, not by making noise or by insulting or by bragging about money,” he said.
He also acknowledged the political attacks he has faced but argued that they had only strengthened his resolve.
“The qualification to be a success in Ghana’s politics includes a large capacity to stomach all sorts of attacks. I am not oblivious to the fact that the NDC and lately elements within our own family subject me to daily attacks.
“In fact, I expect that there will be more attacks in the coming months and years. But if I have learned anything from history, it includes the fact that a man must be formidable so that no matter the adversity, he stands tall, focused and resolute.”
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Call for Unity
He warned party members against internal divisions, saying they risked undermining the NPP’s chances in 2028.
“To win in 2028, we must not just talk unity, we must live it. The repeated attacks by our own party folks on one another is absolutely unhelpful. What we say against each other the NDC will use against us in 2028.
“If you claim you are a true patriot and want this party to win in 2028 then stop it. Stop the internal attacks now. Stop the religious and tribal attacks now”.
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr Bawumia attributed the NPP’s 2024 electoral defeat to economic challenges, but he insisted that the lessons learned would guide the party’s comeback.
He accused the NDC of failing to fulfill campaign promises, citing commitments on cocoa prices, illegal mining reforms, and job creation that he said had not materialized.
“What the NPP and Ghana need is a strong party that can hold the government accountable for these promises. Bawumia has always done that and will do that as flag bearer of the NPP”.
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Vision for a future Dr Bawumia Government
Looking ahead, he outlined his vision for a future Dr Bawumia government, which includes tax reforms, stronger support for grassroots members, measures to reduce the cost of living, a constituency-based budgeting framework, and a modernized digital economy inclusive of women, the disabled, and the poor.
He promised to prioritize domestic production and job creation by dedicating part of public sector spending to local private enterprise.
“All my life, this country and this party have given me so much. I feel an overwhelming sense of duty to give back,” he said, recounting his decision to leave positions at the Bank of Ghana and the African Development Bank to serve the NPP in opposition years.
He also recalled his role as a key witness in the 2013 election petition. “You can be sure that with Mahamudu Bawumia as flag bearer, I shall not hesitate to put my all on the line for the NPP and for Ghana as I have done before.”
Closing his address, Dr Bawumia called for unity and collective effort. “I implore you to join me on this journey to rebuild our party and to reposition this great tradition to deliver for Ghanaians from 2028.
He added, “I am committed to doing this with you, the grassroots of the party, supported by the mighty minority of 88 MPs. Let’s win. Let’s win together. Let’s win with Bawumia.”
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