Kennedy Agyapong Reveals What Will Happen If Bawumia Becomes Flagbearer

Assin Central Member of Parliament and senior New Patriotic Party (NPP) figure Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has warned against selecting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2028 general elections, arguing that the decision could prolong its time in opposition.

Speaking in a media interview, Agyapong, who contested the NPP’s 2024 flagbearer race, said the party must carefully assess the reasons behind its defeat in the subsequent general election under Bawumia’s leadership.

He cautioned that ignoring the outcome and its implications could prove costly, insisting that the party should recognise what he believes was a clear message from voters demanding a change in leadership.

Agyapong warned that another decision to nominate Bawumia could leave the NPP out of power for as long as 12 years. He maintained that the party needed to take the concerns of its members seriously, particularly those at the grassroots who, he claimed, had become frustrated and disconnected from its leadership.

According to the legislator, the 2024 election result should be treated as a warning rather than an ordinary electoral setback. He argued that Ghanaians had expressed a desire for change and that the party would need to respond meaningfully if it hoped to regain public confidence.

Agyapong also criticised what he described as the NPP’s tendency to return to familiar leadership figures after losing elections. He argued that repeatedly relying on established personalities could discourage party supporters and prevent the organisation from presenting voters with a fresh political vision.

He called on the party’s national leadership to consider alternative candidates and embrace generational renewal as preparations for the 2028 elections gather momentum. In his view, internal reflection and openness to new ideas would be essential to rebuilding the party’s appeal.

His remarks have prompted differing reactions within the NPP. Some members have welcomed his demand for change, while others have expressed concern that his comments could deepen divisions within the party.

Nevertheless, Agyapong maintained that meaningful reform was necessary for the NPP’s future relevance. He warned that without a new political direction, the party risked remaining in opposition for more than a decade as it seeks to recover from its 2024 defeat.