Professor Ezekiel Nii Noye Nortey, Associate Professor of Statistics at the University of Ghana, has remarked that the former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is the most viable candidate ahead of the New Patriotic Party’s Presidential Primaries.

Prof. Nortey noted that considering the contending candidates, the race appears to be between former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former member of Parliament for Assin Central.

The statistician, however, noted that given the former Vice President’s wide reach across the country through his services as a Vice President and also as the presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections, he can be considered the most marketed candidate.

Prof. Nortey further stated that Dr. Bawumia’s wide reach across the country makes him “stand tall” in what he calls the “two-horse rac,” albeit the other candidates including Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister for Education; Dr. Bryan Acheampong, former Minister for Agriculture; Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central; and Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyapong, former General Secretary of the NPP.

He also noted that Dr. Bawumia’s demeanor and approach towards the current occurrences within the NPP will be very valuable for the current needs of the party.

“I have also seen that he has been more civil with very temperate language concerning unity. That, for me, is what the NPP needs currently.”
Professor Ezekiel Nii Noye Nortey,

Prof. Nortey also cautioned against complacency with respect to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign. He stated that even though the former Vice President being the most marketed candidate, appears to be the leading candidate, there could still be surprises at the polls to be held in two months.

The statistics professor noted that even though several polls project the former Vice President as the leading candidate, subsequent polls often show a dwindling trend in his percentages. He noted that with Mr. Agyapong’s momentum with two months to the elections, the former Vice President should not be consumed in his confidence of winning.

“I have said before on this platform that when it comes to people who have been marketed, then he stands very tall amidst those who are contending.
“My only worry with him saying that he is sure of winning is that though currently he leads in many polls, his percentage keeps on dwindling. It keeps on dwindling. We still have two more months. So, if things continue that way, then it is going to be a bit shocking for him”.
Professor Ezekiel Nii Noye Nortey,

Danger of Internal Divisions

Prof. Nortey remarked that due to the upcoming contest, there appears to be divisions within the NPP, affecting internal unity, and he thinks there should be a collective effort to curtail such divisions.

“It looks like too many factions is actually draining the cohesion in the party. So, if he is calling for unity, I think the other contestants should also be seen. I think calling for unity in the team is what we all have to embrace.”
Professor Ezekiel Nii Noye Nortey

He also noted that the New Patriotic Party is one that has built a name and history for itself and should therefore not let internal conflicts undermine the progress the party has made over the years.

The statistician then noted the need for all candidates to emulate Dr. Bawumia’s persistent calls for unity, as he believes that it is in the interest of everyone to preserve the successes the party has attained over the years.