Standing before a sea of blue, white, and red at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) national headquarters, the newly elected flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has extended an olive branch to his rivals, declaring that the time for internal contest has ended and the era of cooperation has begun.

Shortly after the Electoral Commission officially certified his victory on Saturday night, January 31, 2026, Dr. Bawumia delivered an acceptance speech that focused less on his personal triumph and more on the collective survival of the Elephant party ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Dr. Bawumia’s victory was both statistically significant and geographically broad. In a race that many analysts predicted would be a closer "two-horse race", the former Vice President secured 110,643 votes, representing 56.48% of the total valid votes cast.

His closest rival, the firebrand politician Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, garnered 46,554 votes (23.76%), while the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, finished third with 36,303 votes (18.53%).

The core of Dr. Bawumia’s address was a plea for emotional and political reconciliation. He acknowledged the intensity of the campaign—which at times saw sharp rhetoric between Team Ken and his own supporters—and urged the over 190,000 delegates who participated to bury the hatchet.

“Together we stand, divided we fall,” Dr. Bawumia proclaimed to thunderous applause. He emphasised that the primary was merely a family contest, adding, “The outcome of the election should mark the beginning of cooperation among party members.”

He specifically reached out to those who may feel stung by the defeat of their preferred candidates, urging them to prioritise the party's "Breaking the 8" legacy. “I appeal to delegates and supporters across the country to let go of any reservations they may have and unite behind the party’s vision,” he said.

The election was a massive undertaking, utilising 333 polling centres across all 275 constituencies. Under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ghana Police Service, the process was described by domestic and international observers as "transparent and credible". Despite the high stakes, party officials noted that the exercise was largely peaceful, with only minimal, isolated incidents reported.

Dr. Bawumia concluded by pledging to run an "inclusive and unifying campaign". His victory officially sets the stage for what is expected to be a gruelling national campaign. By securing over 56% of the vote, Bawumia has successfully consolidated the "establishment" wing of the party, but his speech signalled he knows the path to the Jubilee House in 2028 requires the full energy of the grassroots supporters who backed Agyapong and Acheampong.

“The strength of the party lies in unity,” Bawumia stressed, “and moving forward together is essential for presenting the best of the NPP to the Ghanaian electorate.”