A flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Bryan Acheampong, has raised questions over the nationwide appeal of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, urging delegates and voters to critically assess the party’s performance in the 2024 general elections.

Addressing party delegates, Dr Acheampong cited voting patterns from the 2024 general elections, arguing that they point to a significant disconnect between the party’s parliamentary strength and the appeal of its presidential candidate at the national level.

According to him, more than 75% of the NPP’s parliamentary candidates across the country polled more votes in their respective constituencies than Dr Bawumia did as the party’s flagbearer.

He described this outcome as unprecedented in the political history of the party and a strong indication that voters were more inclined to support local candidates than the presidential ticket.

“Most of the time when we vote, you realise that the presidential candidate’s total votes are usually slightly higher than those of the parliamentary candidate,” Dr Acheampong noted.

“For parliamentary candidates, their votes often reduce because of the local challenges they face. However, in 2024, in over 75 per cent of constituencies across Ghana, parliamentary candidates performed better than the presidential candidate. That has never happened before.”

He argued that this reversal of the traditional voting trend raises serious questions about Dr Bawumia’s nationwide appeal, particularly among grassroots supporters and floating voters who play a decisive role in general elections.

Dr Acheampong explained that the figures suggest voters separated their support, choosing NPP parliamentary candidates based on familiarity, performance and local trust, while withholding similar support for the presidential candidate.

He warned that ignoring such signals could prove costly for the party in future elections.

The Abetifi MP urged delegates to take a strategic and pragmatic approach when choosing the party’s next flagbearer, stressing the need for a candidate who can unify the party and command broad national support.

He referenced advice once given by former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who encouraged voters to reflect on their livelihoods when casting their ballots, noting that such practical messaging resonated with the electorate and contributed to electoral success at the time.

“Former President Kufuor once said, ‘Take a look at your livelihood when you vote,’ and that message helped him to win,” Dr Acheampong recalled.

He suggested that future leadership must connect more effectively with the everyday concerns of Ghanaians.