Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of actively working to block his bid to become the NPP’s presidential candidate.
Speaking to supporters in the Okaikwei South Constituency, Dr. Bawumia claimed the NDC’s resentment towards him stems from his pivotal role in the NPP’s victory during the fiercely contested 2016 elections.
“The 2016 campaign was a heated one, and that is why the NDC does not like me,” he told the enthusiastic crowd, noting that the opposition frequently resorts to insults whenever his name is mentioned.
Dr. Bawumia further alleged that the NDC is making concerted efforts to influence the upcoming NPP primaries, preferring that delegates select a different aspirant over him.
“Do you know that the NDC does not want you to vote for me in the primary, but instead for someone else? But why should a different party decide who becomes the candidate for your party? I do not believe the constituents of Okaikwei South will allow that,” he stated.
Despite the criticism, the former Vice President emphasised that he remains undeterred and focused on his campaign.
The NPP presidential primary is scheduled for January 31, 2026, and is set to feature a competitive race among five aspirants: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; former Assin Central MP Ken Ohene Agyaponp; Abetifi MP and former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr. Bryan Acheampong; former Minister of Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum; and former General Secretary of the party Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.