The former Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Kwame Adabo, has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to uphold the party’s tradition of retaining its presidential candidates after initial defeats at the polls.

Addressing NPP delegates during Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign engagements with delegates in his constituency, the former MP said both John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo—who eventually became Presidents—were retained by the party after losing on their first attempts.

He argued that the tradition ought to continue, adding that Dr Bawumia had done nothing wrong and that there was no reason to replace him as the party’s flagbearer.

“If Kufuor was presented twice and Nana Addo was presented three times, what crime has Bawumia committed that we can’t present him again?” the former MP asked while addressing delegates in his constituency.

“Bawumia has done nothing wrong. I am telling all of you that in the 2024 election, even if Nana Addo himself had contested again, he would have lost. So nobody should single out Dr Bawumia for blame,” he stated.

Mr Adabo noted that there must be collective responsibility for the NPP’s 2024 defeat, adding that it was wrong for those contesting the flagbearer position alongside Dr Bawumia to blame him for the party’s loss.

“It is a collective responsibility, and I am also part of it. I was given five slots for opportunities in the security services, but 200 qualified people submitted their documents to me. I could only help five of them, and because of that, I had 195 enemies,” he said.

The former MP also highlighted Dr Bawumia’s vision, describing him as the type of leader Ghana needs.

“We need someone with a vision for Ghana’s development,” he said.

“Dr Bawumia brought gold for reserves, gold for oil, and many other initiatives. Ghana awaits him. I strongly believe that God has a purpose for him in this country.”

“We know the impact he made as Vice President, and we are confident that when he becomes President, Ghana will see a lot of progress. That is why we are solidly behind you.”

“So I urge all delegates to remain solidly behind Dr Bawumia, who will lead us to victory. Ignore those who come with money asking you not to support Dr Bawumia,” he added.