Former Western North Regional Minister, Joojo Rocky Obeng, has asserted that post-2024 political developments within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) now strongly favour former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, over former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the party’s race for the 2028 flagbearer slot.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, June 24, Mr Obeng acknowledged that the 2024 presidential election, in which Dr Bawumia led the NPP, initially gave the former Vice President a compelling edge. However, he believes internal dynamics have since shifted.

“Election 2024 made a stronger case for Dr Alhaji Bawumia,” Obeng noted. “But post-election 2024, the party base and elections that are ahead of us, in my considered view, are making a much, much stronger case for Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.”

His comments come at a time when the NPP is witnessing intense early jockeying ahead of its January 2026 presidential primary. Several prominent figures, including Dr Bawumia, Mr Agyapong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Dr Bryan Acheampong, are all positioning themselves as viable successors to lead the party into the 2028 general elections.

In recent months, Dr Bawumia has received high-profile endorsements from groups such as the Forum of Former MMDCEs and a coalition of 60 sitting Members of Parliament.

These endorsements have bolstered his image as the frontrunner. However, Kennedy Agyapong also commands a significant following at the grassroots level and remains popular among party loyalists who view him as an outspoken and independent-minded alternative.

The party’s leadership has cautioned against open endorsements, with National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) recently criticising such public declarations as divisive and counterproductive.

The NPP has since summoned all flagbearer aspirants to a crucial meeting on July 3 to reinforce internal cohesion ahead of the primary.

Rocky Obeng’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment that the race remains open, with both internal party dynamics and public sentiment continuing to evolve.

As the NPP gears up for a pivotal decision on its future leadership, aspirants are intensifying engagement, building strategic alliances, and deepening their presence within the party’s rank and file.