The burgeoning rivalry within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in anticipation of the 2026 flagbearer race has ignited a debate surrounding the electability and marketability of key contenders, particularly focusing on former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Kwasi Kwarteng, spokesperson for Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign, has challenged the prevailing narrative that Dr. Bawumia’s prominent visibility within the party automatically translates into widespread acceptance among the Ghanaian electorate. This challenge underscores a crucial distinction between visibility and viability, raising questions about whether name recognition alone can guarantee electoral success.
Kwarteng’s argument centers on the premise that while Dr. Bawumia has undoubtedly enjoyed significant exposure during his 16-year tenure within the NPP, occupying the position of Vice President for half of the party’s 32-year existence, this prominence does not necessarily equate to marketability. He acknowledges Dr. Bawumia’s contributions and achievements but insists that visibility is not a substitute for genuine acceptance by the broader electorate. This raises the question of whether Dr. Bawumia’s visibility has truly resonated with the Ghanaian public, transforming name recognition into genuine support, or whether it remains a superficial form of awareness that lacks depth and connection.
The debate surrounding Dr. Bawumia’s electability is further fueled by contrasting perspectives within the NPP. Supporters of the former Vice President, such as his aide Dennis Miracles Aboagye, maintain that Dr. Bawumia possesses the requisite experience, preparedness, and marketability to lead the NPP into the 2028 elections. Aboagye emphasizes Dr. Bawumia’s extensive political experience and familiarity with the intricacies of governance, arguing that these attributes make him the most formidable candidate to challenge the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC). This perspective underscores the importance of experience and a proven track record in navigating the complexities of national leadership.
However, Kwarteng’s counterargument introduces an element of doubt, suggesting that while experience is valuable, it is not the sole determinant of electoral success. He implies that factors beyond mere visibility and experience, such as the ability to connect with voters on a personal level, articulate a compelling vision for the future, and inspire confidence in the party’s ability to deliver on its promises, are equally crucial. This introduces the concept of a broader, more holistic assessment of a candidate’s electability, moving beyond simple metrics like name recognition and experience.
The emerging discourse within the NPP highlights a critical challenge for political parties: balancing the need for a candidate with established credentials and experience with the desire for a fresh perspective and the ability to connect with a dynamic and evolving electorate. This is particularly relevant in a context like Ghana, where the political landscape is constantly shifting and voter expectations are evolving. The NPP must carefully consider whether Dr. Bawumia’s long tenure and high visibility have solidified his support base or whether the party needs a candidate who can offer a new approach and resonate with a broader segment of the population.
This internal debate within the NPP also provides valuable insights into the broader dynamics of Ghanaian politics. It reveals the complex interplay of factors that influence voter choices, highlighting the importance of not only visibility and experience but also the ability of a candidate to inspire trust, articulate a clear vision, and connect with the aspirations of the electorate. Ultimately, the NPP’s choice of flagbearer will significantly impact the party’s prospects in the 2028 elections and will provide a crucial test of the relative importance of visibility, experience, and genuine electability in the eyes of the Ghanaian electorate.
