The Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has thrown his support behind former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the New Patriotic Party heads to the polls for a flagbearer, describing him as the strongest candidate to lead the party.

Speaking on The Pulse programme on JoyNews, Mr Jinapor said that after assessing the calibre of contenders within the party and the political outcomes expected in 2028, Dr Bawumia clearly stands above the rest.

“I've said it, and I want to repeat it. If you look at the contestants, and I know each one of them personally, I have respect for each one of them, and if you look at the times and the circumstances and all the factors, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia stands tall,” he stated on Thursday, January 15.

According to the Damango MP, the 2028 election will be particularly crucial, as President John Mahama will not be on the ballot and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is expected to present a fresh candidate.

He explained that this dynamic would introduce new and unfamiliar political issues, making experience and national visibility critical in the selection of the NPP presidential candidate.

“The issues on the table are going to be extraordinary. They are going to be novel. There are going to be new issues that we have to deal with in 2028,” he added.

Mr Jinapor highlighted Dr Bawumia’s long-standing presence in Ghanaian politics, noting that he has been extensively marketed to the electorate over nearly two decades.

“Since 2008, he’s been at the forefront of Ghanaian politics for almost two decades. He’s been a vice-presidential candidate on four occasions and a presidential candidate in the last election,” he said.

He argued that this visibility, coupled with Dr Bawumia’s experience on the campaign trail, gives him a significant advantage.

“That means he has enormous experience. You cannot discount that,” Mr Jinapor stressed.

The Damango MP also underscored integrity as one of Dr Bawumia’s strongest credentials, insisting that his record in public life remains unblemished.

“What has never been said of Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, or what has never been questioned, is his integrity,” he said. “For two decades in public life, from being Deputy Governor to Vice-President and presidential candidate, his record is unblemished when it comes to incorruptibility.”

Mr Jinapor further dismissed criticisms of Dr Bawumia’s competence and leadership qualities.

“Nobody can question his competence, his vision, his humility, his patriotism, his track record or his temperament,” he stated.

He cautioned against adopting a long-term experimental approach to the 2028 election, stressing that the party must focus on winning immediately rather than grooming a new candidate for future contests.

“We are not looking at 2032 or 2036. We are looking at 2028,” he said.

Turning to policy, Mr Jinapor identified unemployment and the rising cost of living as the most pressing issues confronting Ghanaians, particularly the youth.

“The twin issues of unemployment and cost of living are the fundamental issues confronting the Ghanaian youth today,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that the NPP can win the 2028 election if it unites behind the right candidate and presents a compelling policy blueprint.

“If we unite, put the right strategies together and present a blueprint that excites the Ghanaian people—particularly the youth—and we present a candidate such as Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, 2028 is winnable,” he said.