Ghanaian economist based in America, Dr. Sa-ad Iddrisu has advised the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), not rejoice over the performance of the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the just ended presidential primaries of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

According to Dr. Sa-ad, the performance of the vice may not be encouraging, looking at the hue and cry that greeted the process leading to the election of Dr. Bawumia, but it is not something for the NDC to be complacent about.

“The Bawumia signal is not weak. NDC must eschew complacency and let the hard work begin. There is serious battle ahead for election 2024”, the American based economist wrote.

It is not clear what prompted Dr. Sa-ad to write this, but comments by some supporters of the NDC across social media platforms indicate that the NDC considers the performance of Bawumia in the primaries as abysmal.

Some have suggested that because the campaign team of the vice president predicted a percentage far above 70 and 80, and their candidate ended up getting 61.43, it means that all is not well in the NPP, but Dr. Sa-ad thinks otherwise.

He noted that, “Hon. Ken only won two regions, central and Volta, compared to Dr. Bawumia who won 14 regions.”

Bawumia's victory

Certified results released by Deputy Commissioner of the Electoral Commission, Siriboe Quaicoe, showed that Dr Bawumia secured 118,210 votes, representing 61.43%, while his closest competitor, Mr Agyapong, garnered 71,996 votes, representing 37.41%. Dr. Afriyie Akoto and Addai-Nimoh secured 1,459 and 731 votes, respectively.

A total of 192,446 delegates participated in the presidential primary, with a turnout of 94.63%. While Dr Bawumia was expected to win, he fell short of the 80% target set by his campaign team.

Dr Bawumia's victory marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first non-Akan to lead the NPP into a general election.

He has served as the running mate to President Akufo-Addo since 2008.

The 2024 election is anticipated to be closely contested, with both Bawumia and Mahama being formidable candidates.

The outcome will hinge on various factors, including the state of the economy, campaign strategies, and voter turnout.

Meanwhile, all the other candidates have pledged their support to Dr Bawumia.