Bawumia pushes party unity as NPP braces for 2028 comeback bid

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party's chosen candidate for the 2028 presidential election, has made an urgent appeal for party members to set aside internal rivalries and unite behind a common goal of returning the NPP to government. Speaking during a courtesy visit from newly elected Greater Accra regional party executives on Sunday, the former Vice President emphasised that the conclusion of internal party elections should mark the beginning of a fresh phase of collective mobilisation.

The remarks come at a critical juncture for the NPP, which suffered a significant electoral defeat in the 2024 general elections. With another general election still four years away, party strategists are focusing on rebuilding organisational structures and healing internal divisions that may have emerged during the highly competitive internal elections across polling stations, constituencies and regions.

Moving past internal contests

During his engagement with the Greater Accra regional leadership, led by newly elected Regional Chairman Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, Bawumia stressed that competitors in the recent regional elections must now deprioritise their personal rivalries. "This election is over. You had competitors, let us come together," he stated, signalling a deliberate shift in tone from intra-party competition to unified campaigning.

The NPP has scheduled its national-level party elections for October 3, which will represent the final major milestone in its internal reorganisation process ahead of 2028. These elections will determine the party's national executive leadership and further set the stage for sustained campaign preparation over the coming years.

The stakes for Ghana's opposition

For Ghana's political landscape, the NPP's ability to rebuild cohesion carries substantial implications. As the main opposition party and a historic force in Ghanaian politics, the party's internal stability directly influences the broader competitive dynamics of Ghana's electoral system. A fractured NPP could weaken the checks and balances that a strong opposition provides, whilst a united and reinvigorated opposition strengthens democratic competition and accountability.

Bawumia's messaging reflects a recognition that the party's 2024 defeat exposed organisational vulnerabilities and messaging challenges that cannot be overcome through top-down directives alone. Instead, genuine unity rooted in genuine buy-in from party members at all levels is essential. The emphasis on reorganisation—building "a stronger organisational structure," as Bawumia phrased it—suggests the party is undertaking a comprehensive institutional renewal, not merely rallying supporters for the next election cycle.

What this means for Ghana's political future

Bawumia's assertion that "if we are united, we will win the 2028 election because that is the key ingredient of victory" reflects both confidence and pragmatism. It acknowledges that internal unity alone does not guarantee victory; however, it highlights that without unity, victory becomes exponentially more difficult. The NPP will need to address the policy and messaging concerns that contributed to its 2024 loss, reconnect with voters who shifted allegiances, and develop a compelling vision for governance that resonates beyond its traditional base.

The party's reorganisation period offers an opportunity to recruit new talent, modernise campaign strategies, and build broader coalitions of support. How effectively the NPP executes this roadmap over the next four years will significantly shape both its own future and the trajectory of Ghanaian democracy. A competitive, organised opposition is vital to sustaining Ghana's democratic institutions and ensuring that government remains accountable to the electorate.