The NPP flagbearer race continues to generate heated discussions following the release of a new Global InfoAnalytics poll, which places former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of his competitors.
According to the poll, Dr. Bawumia leads the race with 57%, followed by Kennedy Agyapong with 32%, while Dr. Yao Adutwum and Dr. Bryan Acheampong trail behind with 4% each.
However, Dr. Dickson Adomako-Kissi, spokesperson for Dr. Bryan Acheampong, described the findings as premature and not reflective of the true state of the race.
He emphasized that the polls fail to consider the impact of new entrants like Dr. Acheampong, who only recently began touring constituencies to share his vision with party delegates.
“Admittedly, I think that we all believe that polls are necessary, but I also believe that the timing is important.”
Dr. Dickson Adomako-Kissi
According to him, Global InfoAnalytics has been consistent in releasing polls at specific intervals, but he believes a more accurate picture will emerge after Dr. Acheampong and other new contenders have had the opportunity to engage delegates across all 276 constituencies.
Meanwhile, the poll further indicates that in the event of a runoff between Dr. Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Bawumia would secure a decisive victory with 62%, compared to Kennedy Agyapong’s 38%.
These figures have sparked a wave of reactions among party members and supporters, with some calling for caution in interpreting the results this early in the campaign season.
Bryan Acheampong’s Campaign Still Gathering Momentum
Dr. Adomako Kissi revealed that Dr. Acheampong’s campaign is still in its early stages, with only six constituencies fully toured so far. By Thursday, he expects the number to increase to 33, primarily in the Eastern Region.
He expressed optimism that as the campaign progresses, more delegates will hear Dr. Acheampong’s message, which focuses on rebuilding the party and addressing factors that led to the NPP’s recent electoral defeat.
“We believe we’re starting from ground zero. And for that reason, I think that the polls will be more reflective after our engagement with the 276 constituencies.”
Dr. Dickson Adomako-Kissi
He projected that by December, after the campaign had covered more than half of the constituencies, any poll conducted would more accurately reflect the NPP’s political landscape.
He further urged party members not to be swayed by early poll results, drawing parallels to the 2016 U.S. elections.
“People should be assured. We saw what happened with Hillary Clinton in terms of polls and how Donald Trump suddenly surprised all of us. Politics is very complicated.”
Dr. Dickson Adomako-Kissi
Dr. Kissi expressed confidence that Dr. Acheampong would surprise political analysts and party stakeholders by closing the two-million-vote gap between the NPP and the NDC in the 2024 general elections.
He stressed that the ultimate goal of the party should be to select a candidate capable of winning the 2028 elections, rather than focusing solely on flagbearer popularity.
A Call For Strategic Thinking
Dr. Kissi also highlighted the need for the NPP to think strategically, citing the NDC’s decision to replace its Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, to strengthen its position in the Central Region — a move he believes played a role in the NDC’s victory.
“A candidate that can help us win the election in 2028, more so than necessarily a figurehead, it’s not flagbearership we want. We want a candidate who can win the election.”
Dr. Dickson Adomako-Kissi
He lamented the NPP’s poor performance in Greater Accra, where the party currently holds only five out of 34 seats, compared to previous years when it held as many as 15.
According to him, without regaining those lost constituencies, it would be nearly impossible for the party to secure the presidency.
“Even if you check on the votes, the quantum of votes that Members of Parliament garnered is still far in excess of our candidate,” Dr. Kissi observed, noting that usually, the flagbearer’s popularity drives support for parliamentary candidates.
However, in the last election, the reverse occurred, signaling deep-rooted challenges within the party.
He argued that the NPP must carefully reconsider its choice of candidate, especially given that no former flagbearer in Ghana’s history has served as vice president for 16 consecutive years before seeking the presidency.
This, he believes, necessitates deep introspection within the party’s leadership.
Bryan Acheampong Positioned As The Future
Dr. Kissi further praised Dr. Acheampong’s diverse background in hospitality and technology, emphasizing that his international business experience positions him as the right candidate to rejuvenate the party and win back public confidence.
“I really think that Dr. Bryan Acheampong is the future. If our sole and primary focus is on coming back into power, we need a candidate who can help us with that.”
Dr. Dickson Adomako-Kissi
He concluded by reiterating his belief that as the campaign gathers momentum and more constituencies are reached, the narrative will shift dramatically in favor of Dr. Acheampong.
“We love him [Dr. Bawumia], but the performance is unacceptable. And that is why I think that NPP needs a refreshing candidate, a younger candidate. The party needs to become more attractive again.”
Dr. Dickson Adomako-Kissi
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