Since the advent of the 4th Republic, Ghana’s electoral history has proven one undeniable truth: Presidential victory is built on persistence, consistency, and strategic repetition. As we prepare for the 2028 general elections, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) must stay the course and confidently present Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia once again as its presidential candidate.
A review of Ghana’s elections since 2000 reveals a unique pattern:
- President John Agyekum Kufuor contested in 1996 and lost to Jerry John Rawlings. He returned in 2000, and won.
- President John Evans Atta Mills contested three consecutive times — in 2000, 2004, and finally won in 2008.
- President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also contested three times — in 2008, 2012, and won in 2016.
In all these cases, no presidential candidate from either NPP or NDC has won on their first attempt. They gained national acceptance over time through sustained visibility, messaging, and public trust.
In 2024, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia contested his first presidential election. He demonstrated remarkable maturity, visionary thinking, and maintained the NPP’s electoral strength in difficult times. A second bid in 2028 is not just logical — it’s strategic and consistent with Ghana’s political evolution.
Moreover, in both the NPP and NDC, presidential candidates who have gone on to win have done so after at least two rounds of contest against the same opponents:
- Kufuor vs Mills (2000, 2004)
- Mahama vs Akufo-Addo (2012, 2016)
- Now, Bawumia vs Mahama (2024, 2028) is the natural next chapter.
Repeating Dr. Bawumia as our candidate will give the NPP:
- A stronger narrative of consistency and endurance
- A tested brand with national recognition
- An opportunity to capitalize on the governing failures of the NDC under John Mahama
Let us not break the winning pattern that history has laid before us. Dr. Bawumia must be given the opportunity to complete the contest and lead the NPP to victory in 2028. Ghanaian voters reward persistence and principled leadership — and the NPP must rise to that moment.
Author: Pious Collins Eduanin
Former Tescon President
