Bawumia not the first new candidate to lose – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

Former Member of Parliament for the Suame Constituency and a member of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has argued that Dr Bawumia is not the first New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate to lose a presidential election, pointing to historical precedents within the party.

According to him, first-time presidential candidates of the NPP have often struggled or lost in their initial attempts, adding that Dr Bawumia’s performance in the 2024 election follows this familiar pattern.

He noted that history shows several of the party’s most successful leaders required multiple attempts before securing the presidency.

Speaking on OTEC FM’s afternoon programme Dwabrem, hosted by Prince Nii Ardey, popularly known as Dr Cash, on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu reflected on the historical challenges faced by first-time candidates within the party.

He explained that this perspective provides strategic context for the party’s 2024 loss and offers lessons as the NPP prepares for the 2028 election cycle.

“John Agyekum Kufuor lost his first attempt in 1996 before winning in 2000. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo faced defeats in 2008 and 2012 before finally winning the 2016 election. So it sounds a bit painful when people say Dr Bawumia is not popular and not fit for the flagbearer position,” he said.