Bawumia announces his intention to run for presidency

Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has announced his intention to run for the presidency in the upcoming elections. He made this known to key stakeholders of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) during a heavily attended Majority Caucus of Parliament meeting held on May 2, 2023.

He believes that with unity and perseverance, the party can break the 8-year cycle of the country’s political cycle with him.

Dr Bawumia’s message, which reads “Unity and perseverance. Together we can succeed. It is possible,” has already won the support of over 100 Members of Parliament (MPs). He is prepared to work with all MPs to win the majority of seats in Parliament and the presidency.

Nana Akomea, former Communications Director of the party, and Dr Gideon Boako, his spokesperson, accompanied him to the meeting.

Dr Bawumia drew a connection between his presidential ambition and a biblical verse, Matthew 19:26, in a Facebook post on April 4, 2023. The Vice President posted a picture that had the Ghana flag on the left, the NPP’s flag on the right, and the inscription “It Is Possible” at the top of both flags.

This post drew several comments and shares, with most people asking him to officially declare his intention.

The NPP has set November 4, 2023, as the date for its presidential primary to select a flagbearer for the general election in 2024. If more than five candidates file to run in the primary, the party will hold a Special Congress on August 26 to cut the number to five for the main primary.

However, about 10 people, including former Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen, MP for Assin Central Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Minister for Energy Boakye Agyarko, have already declared their intention to contest the NPP presidential primaries.

The nomination period for the presidential primary will begin on May 26 and end on June 24, 2023. The party has also announced that parliamentary primaries will be held in February 2024. Nominations will be accepted between December 20, 2023, and January 4, 2024.

This means NPP will choose its presidential candidate before its parliamentary candidates.

Source: AdomOnline