'We’ll have the advantage in 2028 as NDC’s new candidate will struggle', says NPP's Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP 2024 flagbearer, predicts a comeback for the NPP in 2028. He believes the NDC will struggle with a new presidential candidate.

Bawumia spoke to members of the Young Executive Forum (YEF) in London during his Thank You Tour of the UK. He expressed strong optimism about the NPP's future.

“I am very, very optimistic about 2028,” he said. He added that Ghanaians prefer repeat candidates over first-timers.

“Our political history shows it’s hard for first-time candidates to win,” he explained. “Ghanaians want you to run more than once.”

He provided historical examples to support his argument. John Agyekum Kufuor lost in ’96 but won in 2000. President John Mills ran in 2000 and 2004 before winning in 2008. Nana Akufo-Addo also ran three times before winning.

Bawumia noted that Mahama's first win was unusual. “Mahama became a candidate after Mills passed away,” he said. “The NDC campaigned while mourning.”

He pointed out that Mahama has been their main candidate recently. “Now they must introduce a new candidate,” he stated.

“I believe we will have an advantage over this new candidate in 2028,” he added confidently.

Bawumia also mentioned how governance realities will affect the NDC's chances over the next four years. “It’s tough to do propaganda when you’re in government,” he said.

He criticized many of the NDC’s campaign promises as failing already. “They promised to lower prices, but costs are rising instead.”

He highlighted issues with cocoa prices, illegal mining, education reforms, and electricity challenges under the current government.

“They misled cocoa farmers about price increases,” Bawumia claimed. “They told teachers they would abolish licensure exams but changed their minds.”

He mocked the NDC’s promise of a 24-hour economy as well. “This was their flagship promise, yet it’s missing from their budget.”

“How can there be a 24-hour economy with dumsor?” he asked rhetorically.

Bawumia warned that Ghanaians should have listened when they cautioned about dumsor and its connection to the NDC.

He believes Ghanaians will want an NPP return by election time: “By four years in office, there will be a big clamour for us.”

Bawumia acknowledged mistakes made by the NPP during its time in government: “We did not get everything right.”

On behalf of himself and his party, he apologized for these missteps: "We should have done better."

However, he emphasized that lessons were learned: "If given another chance, we will improve."

He concluded by asking for support from diaspora members: "I want to count on all of your support."