Andrew Egyapa Mercer, former Sekondi MP and Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, has dismissed claims that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s vote count in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary signals reduced support.

“The previous election in 2023 was more like a two-horse race, but this time was a three-horse race because Dr. Bryan Acheampong was a force. Every election is different,” Mercer told Metro TV on Tuesday, February 3.

He emphasised that delegates continued to place their confidence in Dr. Bawumia, adding that the former Vice President’s leadership remains highly regarded.

“For me, it was a foregone conclusion because I knew that the delegates had hope in the candidature of the former Vice President and there was no doubt that he was going to win,” he said.

Mercer also addressed suggestions that Dr. Bawumia’s previous role in the 2024 general elections affected his chances.

“He wasn’t the reason why we lost the 2024 general election. So I had no doubt that he wasn’t going to win,” he explained.

He concluded that the primary outcome, with Dr. Bawumia securing 110,643 votes (56.48%), reflects the genuine support he commands across the party, despite increased competition from Kennedy Agyapong and Dr. Bryan Acheampong.