NPP Flagbearer Race: Bawumia Files Nomination

Former Vice President and 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has officially filed his nomination. He will, in fact, contest the party’s upcoming flagbearer election. The election is scheduled for January 31, 2025. Accompanied by his wife, Samira Bawumia, on Thursday, August 28, Dr. Bawumia’s presence at the NPP headquarters sparked a charged atmosphere. Consequently, hundreds of party faithful and supporters thronged the premises. They wanted to show their solidarity. This event officially kick-starts the heated NPP flagbearer race. The NPP now has its clear frontrunners.

The contest is expected to be keenly fought. Bawumia, for instance, faces his closest rival, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong. Other aspirants have also filed their nominations. They include former General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyepong, and Abetifi MP and former Agric Minister, Bryan Acheampong. The NPP’s primary will therefore determine its next presidential candidate. It will be a decisive moment for the party. The winner, for one, will lead the party into the next general election.

Furthermore, former Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, also declared his interest in the position. He is expected to file his forms later today. This will, in addition, formalize his participation in the race. Meanwhile, party stalwart Francis Addai-Nimoh has withdrawn from the contest. He cited “unhealthy monetisation,” internal bias, and poor timing. The NPP flagbearer race has already seen internal disagreements. Addai-Nimoh’s withdrawal, in fact, highlights these challenges. The party’s internal unity and leadership strength will be critical. They will significantly influence the NPP’s fortunes in the next general election. This is particularly important because the main opposition party is already gearing up for the campaign.

The 2025 election will test the party’s resilience. It must unite its base behind a single leader. The delegates now face a critical decision. They must, in short, choose a candidate who can energize voters. The chosen leader must also win a tough general election. The public is watching closely. They want to see how the party handles this crucial internal contest.

Source: Charles Owusu Kumi for CitiNewsroom, August 28, 2025