The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has attributed its smooth internal reorganisation to the early selection of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as its flagbearer for the 2028 elections. According to Nana Akomea, the party's newly elected Third Vice Chairperson, this decision has reduced tensions that often accompany prolonged flagbearer contests. He stated that the party has effectively "secured for ourselves the blessing of time" by completing the flagbearer contest early.
Nana Akomea noted that the benefits of the early selection were evident during the NPP's recent national executive elections, which saw minimal acrimony among candidates. He said that with the flagbearership contest settled, the party can now focus on selecting parliamentary candidates, particularly in constituencies without sitting MPs. This, he believes, will enable the party to be more deliberate in identifying suitable candidates.
The NPP's early flagbearer selection has prevented some of the tensions that can arise when multiple candidates compete for the party's top position. Nana Akomea stated that the flagbearership contest can create tension throughout the party when it remains unresolved, making the system chaotic. However, with the party's flagbearership settled, Nana Akomea said the NPP can now move forward with its reorganisation.
Nana Akomea also mentioned that the party's additional time allows it to assess the demographics of orphan constituencies before candidates begin spending resources on campaigns. This approach, he noted, is not new but will be implemented on a larger and more deliberate scale. The party used a similar approach ahead of the 2000 elections.
The NPP's strategy involves identifying suitable candidates for orphan constituencies, where there are no sitting MPs. Nana Akomea stated that this approach will help prevent candidates from wasting time and resources on campaigns in constituencies where they may not win. He believes that this deliberate approach will lead to more fulfilling results.
According to Nana Akomea, the NPP's early flagbearer selection has given the party a "blessing of time," allowing it to focus on other critical aspects of its reorganisation. He expressed confidence that the party's approach will yield positive results in the 2028 elections. The NPP's reorganisation efforts are aimed at strengthening the party's internal structures.
The party's efforts to deliberately select candidates for orphan constituencies ahead of the 2028 election are part of its broader reorganisation strategy. Nana Akomea's comments highlight the NPP's focus on strategic planning and candidate selection as it prepares for the upcoming elections.
Key points
- NPP's early flagbearer selection has helped reduce tensions and stabilize its internal reorganisation.
- The party's additional time allows it to be more deliberate in identifying suitable candidates for orphan constituencies.
- NPP's approach to candidate selection involves assessing demographics and preventing costly campaigns.
