It is inordinate to suggest Bawumia is losing popularity – Oppong Nkrumah

A leading supporter of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s bid to secure the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership for the 2028 general election, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has dismissed claims that the Vice President is losing popularity following a marginal drop in his vote percentage in the party’s recent presidential flagbearership contest.

According to Oppong Nkrumah, it would be inordinate and misleading for anyone to conclude that Dr Bawumia has lost public or party support simply because his winning margin reduced from 61.5 percent in 2023 to 56.46 percent in the recently held election.

He explained that such comparisons amount to “comparing apples to oranges,” stressing that the two contests were conducted under entirely different dynamics and electoral structures.

Speaking in a telephone interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show while reacting to post-election discussions, Mr Oppong Nkrumah noted that the 2023 presidential primary followed a two-phase electoral system. He explained that the first phase was used to shortlist candidates, while the second phase determined the eventual flagbearer.

In contrast, he said, the 2026 contest was conducted as a single-round election, where the winner emerged directly from one voting process. He emphasised that the difference in structure makes it inaccurate to draw direct conclusions about popularity trends.

Oppong Nkrumah further argued that this year’s election rather demonstrates an improvement in Dr Bawumia’s likeability within the party. He explained that Dr Bawumia was able to close the gaps in areas where Kennedy Agyapong performed strongly in 2023.

He noted that while Dr Bawumia secured an overall 56.46 percent of the vote against Kennedy Agyapong’s 23 percent, the percentage gap between the two candidates was significantly wider than what was recorded in 2023.

LIVESTREAMED: Dr Bawumia declared NPP flagbearer for 2028 general elections

He maintained that Dr Bawumia’s victory remains decisive and reflects continued confidence in his leadership within the party, adding that electoral outcomes must always be assessed within the context of the prevailing voting system and political environment.

On efforts to ensure the party closes its ranks, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said the next phase after the contest is cooperation. He expressed satisfaction that all the candidates appear ready to work together moving forward.

He stressed that the biggest focus now is the 2028 general election and urged all other contenders to come on board to help the party face its common political opponent.

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