channel247 online
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has thrown its full support behind former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia following his decisive victory in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primaries, in a move widely seen as a push for unity ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the MPs paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Bawumia at his residence just days after he secured a landslide mandate from party delegates across the country.
Dr. Bawumia emerged winner of the January 31, 2026 primaries with 110,643 votes, representing 56.48 per cent of the total valid votes cast. His closest contender, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, polled 46,554 votes (23.76 per cent), while Dr. Bryan Acheampong came third with 36,303 votes (18.53 per cent). Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Kwabena Agyei Agyapong recorded marginal figures.
The outcome officially positions Dr. Bawumia as the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2028 elections, raising expectations of a renewed drive to return the party to power after its defeat in the 2024 polls.
Addressing the MPs, Dr. Bawumia adopted a conciliatory tone, stressing that he harbours no grudges against individuals who opposed him during the campaign period. He described party primaries as a normal feature of democracy and urged members to put past differences behind them.
“My mind is open, my heart is open, and my hands are open,” he said, assuring the caucus of his readiness to work with all party members committed to victory.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin reaffirmed the caucus’ loyalty to the new flagbearer, noting that the party’s time in opposition since 2024 had been challenging, particularly due to the absence of strong central coordination.
“With you now as the anchor man, we look up to you for vision and direction,” he stated, urging MPs to avoid factionalism and internal divisions that could weaken the party’s chances in 2028.
He further reminded colleagues of the NPP’s reduced strength in Parliament, which has dropped from 169 seats in 2017 to 87 seats after the 2024 elections, and called on MPs to return to their constituencies to rebuild grassroots support.
Dr. Bawumia expressed confidence that the party’s 2024 loss was not irreversible, attributing it largely to voter apathy among NPP supporters rather than a significant expansion of the opposition’s base. He maintained that re-engaging supporters and restoring confidence in the party’s message would be key to reclaiming power.
The visit ended with a shared call for total party unity, marking one of the first major post-primary reconciliation efforts within the NPP as preparations toward the 2028 elections gather momentum.
