The defeat of several experienced figures in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) national executive elections has triggered an internal debate over whether loyalty to former Vice President and the party’s 2024 flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, influenced delegates’ choices.
Among the prominent figures who failed to secure positions were former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, former Minister of Information Mustapha Hamid and former Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro, MP Sylvester Tetteh.
Prior to the voting, reports of alleged attempts to influence the process in favour of candidates perceived to be loyal to Dr Bawumia reportedly contributed to delays in the commencement of voting.
Some analysts have suggested that had voting started at the scheduled time, the outcome could have been different, although the claim has not been independently established.
Sources within the party claim that some delegates questioned the loyalty of Mr. Agyarko, Mr. Hamid and Mr. Tetteh to Dr Bawumia and were concerned about the potential impact of their election on his political ambitions.
The sources further alleged that some delegates feared that if Dr. Bawumia loses the 2028 presidential election, national executives who are not aligned with him could make it difficult for him to secure the party’s flagbearership for a possible 2032 bid.
Questions of loyalty to Dr Bawumia arose after the acting Chairman of the NPP, Joseph Danquah Smith Butey, often referred to as Chairman Butey, called for the postponement of the amendment of Article 10 of the party’s constitution, which would reinstate Bawumia as the leader of the party instead of the National Chairman.
Delegates also noted that some former flagbearer aspirants, such as Bryan Acheampong, were supporting Sylvester Tetteh as General Secretary and Boakye Agyarko as National Chairman.
Out of fear that these candidates might affect Dr Bawumia’s efforts towards victory in 2028, many undecided delegates settled for John Boadu.
The NPP held its national executive elections on October 3, 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, as the party seeks to reorganise its structures following its defeat in the 2024 general election.
John Boadu was elected National Chairman, while Justin Kodua Frimpong retained the position of General Secretary.
Shockingly, former Delta Force commander Kojo Bamba was elected First National Vice Chairman, while Dennis Miracles Aboagye emerged as the new Director of Communications, succeeding Richard Ahiagbah.
The election produced significant changes in the party’s national leadership, with several experienced figures failing to secure positions.
Dr. Bawumia, who served as Vice President under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was the NPP’s flagbearer in the 2024 general election. His political future remains a major subject of discussion within the party as it looks ahead to 2028.
The outcome of the elections has therefore raised questions about whether delegates were primarily guided by competence and experience or by political loyalty and the perceived interests of the party’s 2024 flagbearer.
The new executives now face the task of rebuilding the NPP’s grassroots structures, strengthening internal cohesion and positioning the party for the 2028 general election.
