A lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr, has cautioned that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s chances in the 2028 general elections will depend not only on his personal qualities, but also on how attractive and united the New Patriotic Party (NPP) appears to voters.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr Bomfeh used a metaphor to explain the challenge facing the newly elected flagbearer.

“I’d only say that you see, the flagbearer is a bearer of a flag. No matter how good, competent, suitable, perfect the bearer would be, if the flag is unattractive, you will have a problem,” he said.

According to him, Dr Bawumia must focus on fixing internal weaknesses within the party and projecting unity ahead of the 2028 polls.

“Definitely, that flag has issues. It has punches; they need to fix them. It needs to reorganise itself,” Dr Bomfeh added.

He stressed that beyond policy promises, the NPP must work hard to reconnect with Ghanaians and address issues affecting their daily lives.

“Bawumia should be able to be seen, not only do, but be seen to be doing what will rally them around a united flag… and reposition the party as one that understands the issues people are grappling with and offers solutions,” he said.

Dr Bomfeh’s comments come in the wake of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s victory in the NPP’s presidential primaries held on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The former Vice-President won the contest with 110,643 votes, securing a clear majority of the 195,901 valid votes cast nationwide, according to official results collated by the Electoral Commission.

His closest contender, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, placed second with 46,554 votes, followed by Dr Bryan Acheampong with 36,303 votes.

Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum polled 1,999 votes to place fourth, while Kwabena Agyei Agyepong came fifth with 402 votes.

In all, 196,462 votes were cast, with 561 ballots rejected.

Dr Bawumia’s victory officially makes him the NPP’s candidate for the 2028 presidential election, as the party seeks to retain power after two consecutive terms in government.

Dr Bomfeh noted that while Dr Bawumia brings experience and competence to the table, rebuilding public confidence in the party remains critical.

“The message and the messenger must align,” he said, emphasising the need for consistency between the party’s promises and its actions.