Member of Parliament (MP) for Bantama Constituency, Hon Francis Asenso-Boakye, has stated that it would be “politically suicidal” for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to replace Ex. Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as its flagbearer ahead of the next presidential election.
Speaking on Oyerepa Radio, Mr. Asenso-Boakye emphasised the strategic importance of Dr. Bawumia’s visibility and popularity. “His T-shirts and billboards are all over the place, so why change him?” he asked, noting that name and face recognition play a crucial role in winning elections in Ghana.
He explained that his decision to join the Bawumia team was guided by patterns in Ghanaian politics, noting that presidential candidates rarely win on their first attempt unless they are already the sitting president. “Looking at history, presidents like Mahama, Kufuor, Mills, Akufo-Addo, and the late Jerry John Rawlings all had the advantage of incumbency or strong recognition when they contested. It is very difficult for a new candidate without such recognition to win,” he said.
According to the Bantama MP, Dr. Bawumia’s personal qualities, including intelligence, humility, and respectfulness, enhance his appeal among voters. “Even if someone did not vote for him in his first presidential election, with all these characteristics, they will vote for him in the upcoming ones,” he added.
He concluded that introducing a new candidate would require starting afresh with the electorate, which could undermine the party’s chances in the election. “That is why we are saying there is no need to bring a new candidate,” Mr. Asenso-Boakye affirmed.
