New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has rejected claims within the party that he is a “stranger”, stating that such assertions contradict the NPP’s founding history and long-standing tradition of inclusion.
Speaking to party supporters during a campaign engagement, Dr Bawumia said the NPP’s ideological roots in the United Party (UP) make the party a broad coalition of political traditions, ethnic backgrounds, and regional identities, a history that directly contradicts suggestions that he is an outsider.
“The United Party, on whose foundation the NPP was built, brought together people from across the country, from the Northern Peoples Party to the Ga-Adangbes, Ewes, and Ashantis,” he said.
“S.D. Dombo, leader of the Northern Peoples Party, was Chairman, and my own father, Mumuni Bawumia, served as Vice Chairman. So how can anyone claim that I am a stranger to this tradition?”
Dr Bawumia emphasised that he has not only lived the party’s values but sacrificed personally and professionally for the NPP over the last 17 years.
“I served this party faithfully for eight years as running mate in opposition and eight years as Vice President,” he stated.
“I testified for the party in court, lost my job at the Bank of Ghana, lost my job at the African Development Bank, and even survived an accident during one of those assignments. My service and sacrifice for this party are not in question.”
He cautioned that attempts to label loyal members as “outsiders” risk weakening the party by pushing away potential supporters.
“For a party to be successful, we must make conscious efforts to attract more people. If our actions or words push people away, the party cannot grow,” he warned.
“No matter your ethnic background, within this party, you can rise to lead and even become President of Ghana.”
Nkwanta South Pledges 90% Vote for Bawumia in 2026
Dr Bawumia’s message received a powerful endorsement in the Oti Region, where the NPP’s First Vice Chairperson for Nkwanta South, Pius Amewu, pledged overwhelming support for him ahead of the 2026 contest.
Addressing a gathering of party members during the Vice President’s visit, Amewu assured that Nkwanta South will deliver 90% of the votes for Dr Bawumia.
“In 2023, you came here and we supported you strongly, and you won. Your bid to lead the country in 2024 did not succeed, but we see that not as your failure alone, but as a collective setback for us,” she said.
“Today, you are here again seeking our support, and I want to assure you that Nkwanta South will give you 90% of the votes in 2026.”
She described Dr Bawumia as the most marketable, unifying, and forward-looking candidate capable of returning the NPP to power in 2028.
“We cannot afford to remain in opposition. We will not cast our votes for anyone who cannot bring victory. We believe you are the only one who can win power for the NPP in 2028,” she stated.
According to her, the factors that informed their overwhelming endorsement of Dr Bawumia previously still hold, citing his humility, vision, and competence as the basis for their renewed confidence.
