Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia: The front-runner in NPP’s flagbearer race
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its presidential primaries on January 31, 2026, one name continues to dominate the headlines and conversations across the country. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Ghana’s former Vice President. Among the five aspirants vying to succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the party’s next flagbearer, Bawumia’s chances of emerging victorious look stronger than ever. His popularity, experience, and broad-based support within the party position him as the man to beat.
Two-term vice president with experience
Dr. Bawumia’s journey in government has been marked by consistency and growth. Serving as Vice President for two consecutive terms, he has gained first-hand experience in statecraft, governance, and policy execution at the highest level. This track record gives him an edge over his competitors, most of whom lack similar exposure to executive authority. Delegates are well aware that experience matters in choosing a flagbearer who can step into the presidency with minimal learning curve.
The most familiar and popular face
In politics, visibility and recognition are assets, and Bawumia possesses both in abundance. Over the years, he has become the most recognizable face among the contestants, second only to President Akufo-Addo within the NPP. For many grassroots supporters, he is the face they have grown used to, appearing at rallies, campaign tours, and national events. This familiarity builds trust and makes him the preferred choice for many delegates.
A marketable and valuable candidate
Beyond recognition, Dr. Bawumia is widely regarded as the most marketable candidate among the aspirants. Dubbed the “economic wizard”, he has earned respect for his leadership of the Economic Management Team over the past eight years. His role in driving digitalization, financial reforms, and modernization efforts has given him a reputation as a problem solver and an innovator. Party insiders believe he is the NPP’s most bankable option for the 2028 elections, especially in countering the opposition on issues of economic management.
Strong support from party heavyweights and MPs
Another factor tilting the race in Bawumia’s favor is the overwhelming support he enjoys from influential NPP leaders and Members of Parliament. Figures such as Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, and Kennedy Osei Nyarko have openly aligned with his campaign. Their endorsements not only boost his image but also mobilize structures and grassroots delegates across the country, giving him a clear organizational advantage.
Backed by the grassroots
Perhaps the most decisive factor in Bawumia’s candidacy is his widespread grassroots support. From the zongo communities to the farming belts, from youth groups to traders’ associations, his appeal cuts across demographics. Delegates understand that grassroots enthusiasm is critical for victory in both primaries and national elections, and Bawumia appears to command the broadest base of loyal supporters.
The clear favourite
With his experience as a two-term Vice President, his popularity as the most visible face of the party, his reputation as an economic problem solver, his backing from influential MPs, and his unmatched grassroots network, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia enters the January 31 primaries as the clear front-runner.
While the contest will certainly not be a walkover, the political winds within the NPP suggest that delegates are leaning toward the candidate who best represents continuity, marketability, and electability. For many in the party, that candidate is none other than Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
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