The race for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership was dramatically reshaped today as a formidable coalition of about 63 Members of Parliament held a press conference to publicly declare their unequivocal support for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
The show of force, representing a clear majority of the party’s 87 MPs, sends the strongest signal yet that the parliamentary caucus—the elected backbone of the party—is consolidating behind the former Vice President, positioning him as the undeniable frontrunner just months before the January 2026 delegate congress.
Critics were quick to downplay the endorsement, arguing that with over 200,000 delegates, the support of 87 individuals is numerically insignificant. However, political strategists and senior party figures counter that this view fundamentally misreads the mechanics of internal party politics.
“An MP is not just one vote; they are the captain of a constituency team,” declared Hon. Asenso Boakye, MP for Bantama. “When we declare for Dr. Bawumia, we are not speaking for ourselves. We are signalling to the hundreds of polling station executives, electoral area coordinators, and constituency officers in our areas that this is the direction the leadership is moving. Delegates look to their MPs for direction, and we have given it clearly today.”
The endorsement provides Dr. Bawumia with a critical strategic advantage that extends far beyond symbolism. Each of the 60+ MPs brings with them a fully resourced campaign machinery—including offices, vehicles, funding, and a loyal network of organizers—that can be deployed to mobilize delegates at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, the geographic diversity of the supporting MPs, hailing from all regions of the country, projects a national character for the Bawumia campaign. This national spread reassures delegates that aligning with him is a safe bet for a candidate who can unite the party and appeal to a broad electorate.
The move also creates a powerful bandwagon effect. In politics, perception is reality, and the image of the majority of the parliamentary caucus rallying behind one candidate creates a narrative of inevitable victory. Delegates, who are often practical party foot soldiers, are more likely to align with a campaign that demonstrates momentum and organizational strength.
Historically, in past NPP primaries, the candidate who secured the strong backing of the parliamentary caucus has often carried that advantage through to the wider electoral college. These MPs are seasoned politicians with a keen sense of where the party base is leaning, and their collective alignment is a reliable indicator of the race’s trajectory.
As Dr. Domfeh puts it after the press conference, “It is misleading to see 63 MPs as just 63 votes. In reality, each MP carries with them the trust, loyalty, and networks of their entire constituency. This is not about 63 people—it is about a nationwide wave of support consolidating behind Dr. Bawumia. The caucus has spoken, and the party is listening.”
