Former Abuakwa South MP, Samuel Atta Akyea, has cautioned the NPP against abandoning former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as its presidential candidate, describing any move to introduce a new flagbearer as a risky political experiment.
According to him, post-election evaluations within the party indicated that Dr Bawumia’s personality was not responsible for the NPP’s loss in the 2024 general elections.
He argued that the defeat was largely the result of voter fatigue after the party’s eight years in government rather than weaknesses in the candidate himself.
Speaking on Metro TV on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Mr Atta Akyea noted that Dr Bawumia’s personal appeal was evident in the 41 per cent of votes he secured under what he described as difficult political circumstances.
“When the situation was terribly bad, the persona of the man still attracted 41 per cent of the votes. Common sense suggests that we should present him again,” he said.
He maintained that electoral history shows first-time presidential candidates often struggle to win on their initial attempt, stressing that the NPP should consolidate and build on Dr Bawumia’s existing support base.
“We must lift him up again and add about nine per cent to cross the 50 plus one mark. That is how we get him elected president,” he stated.
Mr Atta Akyea further argued that introducing a new candidate would hand the opposition an advantage, as Dr Bawumia already enjoys nationwide recognition and credibility.
“If the NDC brings a new candidate against Bawumia, who is already well marketed and whose figures are in his favour, I don’t see anyone they can put forward with greater national and intellectual appeal,” he said.
He warned that discarding Dr Bawumia in favour of a new face would expose the party to unnecessary political attacks and uncertainty.
“Starting afresh with new people and allowing the NDC to deploy propaganda against them will be a lottery the NPP should avoid,” he added.
The NPP is scheduled to hold its presidential primaries on January 31, 2026, to select a candidate for the 2028 general elections.
Contenders include former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister for Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyepong.
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