Pollster and Managing Editor of the Dispatch Newspaper, Ben Ephson, has said that Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, stands a high chance of becoming the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
His comment comes on the back of the Vice president’s attendance at Akwasidae at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Sunday, March 19, 2023, where over 80 lawmakers, government appointees and some stakeholders who matter within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accompanied him to the event. Ben Ephson said this move witnessed, sends a strong message.
“Human head is not a coconut to see inside and I believe that the various delegates will vote in secret and the delegation I think, was to send a message because you need to bear in mind that many of the Members of Parliament of the NPP, will be seeking re-election.
“For your chances in seeking re-election, many of the delegates that will vote for you as the Member of Parliament to remain in Parliament, you will ensure that people who will obey you are people you have handpicked and elected. So, it is likely that many of the MPs have handpicked those they can control to vote for them, to remain in power.”
Ben Ephson
He reiterated, that this sends a signal to everyone and that he cannot wait for the NPP to announce its flagbearship date, in order to conclude his seventh book on elections. He claimed to have done some research on the actions taken before the election of executives and post-election on executives and it is made clear to him that Bawumia is in the lead, in terms of possibly winning the NPP flagbearership race.
Mr. Ephson added that there is a high chance Dr. Bawumia will poll over 60 percent of votes in the NPP’s flagbearer race.
Annoh-Dompreh Predicts 70% Victory For Bawumia
According to Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for the Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia will win 70% of votes, whenever the New Patriotic Party (NPP) holds its presidential primaries.
He said despite the competition and analysis that is being made into the respective candidature of contenders in the highly-anticipated race, Bawumia is in line for a big win.
“This is the first time we are seeing a Muslim, who is a leader and is rallying support from even the Christian community. The man is building mosques, churches, reaching out to the Clergy and he is dining, talking and thinking together with the Clergy.
“For me, I have not seen anything like that. Such a religious tolerance is something unique on the continent and for me, we must value what we have and celebrate it.”
Frank Annoh-Dompreh
When Annoh-Dompreh was asked about the flagbearership race, during his attendance of the Akwasidae festival, he responded: “I tell you he will not win not less than 70%. I have been in this game for a while. I have been a student leader, polling station executive, regional executive”.
“I am Chief Whip; I can feel it. I can feel the entire spirit of the party is behind this man and anybody who will go against this man is like sweeping a moving current; he is going to win. There is nothing you can do about it; it’s going to be a massive win…the minimum will be a 70%.”
Frank Annoh-Dompreh
Bawumia till date is yet to officially declare his intention to contest the yet-to-be scheduled party primary. However, on arrival at the Akwasidae, he was mobbed by NPP supporters present at the festival. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who was attending on behalf of the President; Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was cheered upon when he walked along with his wife; Samira Bawumia.
Videos making the rounds on social media, shows Bawumia and an entourage, including about 80 MP’s arriving at the event grounds on a bus, as they are overwhelmed by a crowd of party faithful. Most of the cheering supporters were waving the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag and wore branded T-shirts, with the Vice President’s portrait, as he is seen waving back along with the Second Lady.
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