New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate and Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, has revealed that he privately encouraged former Vice President and fellow aspirant for the flagbearer position, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to step back from the party’s January 2026 Presidential primary.
In an interview conducted on Thursday, December 18, Dr. Acheampong elaborated that his request was driven by what he refers to as structural issues within the party.
He indicated that these issues could jeopardize the NPP’s prospects in the 2028 general elections if Dr. Bawumia were to lead the party once more.
“These structural issues are in addition to what Mussa Dankwah is unaware of, the matters that I compiled and communicated to the candidate, stating, ‘Look, we will face challenges if we proceed in this manner, and therefore, if you prioritize the party’s interests and withdraw, it would be beneficial for us to identify a new candidate and move forward.’
“Moreover, the perceived rift between his supporters and those of Kennedy Agyapong was becoming apparent. It was evident to me that this division would carry us into 2028, hindering our chances of winning that election, and if we fail to win, we will be in significant trouble,” he remarked.
The Abetifi MP, who had previously supported Dr. Bawumia during the 2023 flagbearer race, has since retracted his support and entered the contest himself.
He mentioned that his choice was made despite efforts by Former Second Lady Samira Bawumia to convince him to continue supporting her husband’s campaign.
