Sammi Awuku speaks to 'Bawumia's favourite candidate' claim

Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammi Awuku, has dismissed circulating reports and social media claims suggesting that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has handpicked favourites for key party positions ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The report added that the former vice president also warned other aspirants to “drop out or face his wrath.”

The claims reportedly originated from a publication by The Hawk Newspaper and have since gained traction on social media, with some netizens interpreting Dr Bawumia’s silence on the matter as tacit approval.

Speaking on Accra-based United Television (UTV), and monitored by GhanaWeb, on May 12, 2026, Awuku described the reports as false and politically motivated propaganda.

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“First of all, it’s not true. Let me deny categorically that the flagbearer of the NPP has not said anywhere that he has his favourites to work with,” Awuku stated.

He noted that Dr Bawumia himself emerged from a competitive primary process and faced intense criticism following the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections, making the allegations illogical.

“He was mainly blamed for our loss in the 2024 elections, so, why do you say such a person still has favourites; after all that he’s been through? So, it is not true. Dr Bawumia has not said anywhere… I am not speaking from a place of ignorance or speculation because I am a close member of his team, and so I am not here to pretend or lie. It is not true,” he stressed.

Awuku further questioned the basis of the claims, pointing out that several individuals who initially sought national executive positions within the party are now opting to contest regional-level positions instead.

“How on earth will Bawumia say that he cannot work with people he has worked closely with? This is where the propaganda is,” he added.

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Dr Bawumia secured the NPP’s flagbearer position for the 2028 elections after winning the party’s presidential primaries held in January 2026 with a decisive majority.

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