Debate over Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s status within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has resurfaced ahead of the 2028 presidential primaries, with some critics branding him an “outsider.” But how accurate is this label, and what does the NPP’s own constitution say?
Dr. Bawumia’s association with the NPP began in 2008 when he was nominated as Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s running mate for the general elections. Before that, he served as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana under President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration.
Since then, Dr. Bawumia has spent 17 years serving the party, first as Vice Presidential Candidate in four consecutive elections (2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020), and later as Vice President of Ghana from 2017 to 2024. He also played a pivotal role as the star witness in the 2012 election petition and subsequently became the NPP’s flagbearer in the 2024 elections.
Given this long record of commitment, it is difficult to reconcile the “outsider” narrative with his actual service to the party.
Who Can Contest the NPP Presidential Race?
The NPP Constitution provides a clear answer. Article 13(3) of the party’s constitution, amended in 2017, states that “any member may, before the expiry of the period set out in Article 13(2), apply for nomination as the Party’s Presidential Candidate.”
Further, Article 13(7) outlines the eligibility criteria for nomination:
- The aspirant must have been a known and active member for at least five years.
- They must be of good character.
- They must be in good standing with the party.
These provisions make it clear that no “outsider”, meaning anyone not in good standing or without at least five years of active membership, can contest the NPP’s presidential election.
Debunking the Misinformation
Following the opening of nominations for the 2028 elections, campaign activities have intensified ahead of the national delegates’ election set for January 31, 2026. Among the recurring talking points is the claim that Dr. Bawumia is an “outsider” unfit to lead the NPP again.
This claim, however, lacks both legal and factual basis. It misrepresents the party’s rules and disregards Dr. Bawumia’s well-documented record of service.
Observers have expressed concern that such rhetoric, often coming from seasoned party members, risks misleading delegates and creating unnecessary division. More worryingly, it could also project a negative image of the NPP to the broader electorate as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.
Setting the Record Straight
By every measurable standard, Dr. Bawumia meets, and indeed surpasses, the NPP’s constitutional requirements to contest the presidential primaries. Seventeen years of continuous service, including eight years as Vice President, leave no room for doubt about his membership or loyalty to the party.
In essence, the “outsider” label is not just inaccurate, it is politically motivated. A careful reading of the NPP Constitution and an objective look at Dr. Bawumia’s record make one thing clear: he remains a bona fide and longstanding member of the New Patriotic Party, fully eligible to contest any internal election.
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