NPP must confirm Napo as running mate now to gain 2028 election advantage – Manhyia North ex-MP

A former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament has called for the swift confirmation of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia's running mate, arguing that delaying the announcement will cost the party precious campaign time ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

The former Manhyia North MP believes that the NPP must move quickly to formalise its joint ticket, allowing the party machinery to begin promoting the slate to voters without further hesitation. This push reflects growing momentum within NPP circles to settle leadership questions and focus on electoral strategy rather than internal uncertainty.

The case for early confirmation

Proponents of immediate confirmation argue that announcing the running mate now would give the NPP a significant head start in marketing and consolidating voter support. An early campaign rollout allows the party to define its narrative, introduce the ticket to various constituencies, and build grassroots momentum well before the official campaign season intensifies.

According to this school of thought, every month of delay represents lost opportunity to reach voters, organise regional tours, and establish the presidential-running mate partnership in the public consciousness. In competitive elections, such timing advantages can prove decisive, particularly in mobilising party faithful and undecided voters.

Why it matters for Ghana

The timing of Ghana's 2028 election campaign carries implications beyond the NPP itself. Early announcement of major party tickets typically influences the broader electoral calendar and opposition strategies. When the ruling party signals its direction and begins active campaigning, other political parties often respond by accelerating their own preparations, potentially shifting the national political conversation.

For Ghanaian voters, clarity on who will lead the major parties' tickets provides essential information for assessing policy alternatives and leadership visions. The sooner parties formally present their candidates, the sooner citizens can engage with substantive campaign messaging rather than speculation. This transparency also allows civil society and media to conduct thorough vetting of candidates and their policy platforms.

Additionally, Ghana's electoral commission benefits from early announcements, as it allows for better planning of election logistics and campaign finance monitoring. The political ecosystem operates more smoothly when major questions are settled early, reducing distractions and allowing genuine policy debate to take centre stage.

The broader NPP positioning

The push for immediate confirmation reflects confidence within certain NPP circles about the party's electoral prospects. By moving decisively on the running mate question, the party would signal unity and readiness to the electorate, potentially consolidating its base ahead of what is expected to be a closely contested election.

However, such moves also invite scrutiny from opposition parties and civil society organisations monitoring governance and campaign practices. The NPP's decisions now will set precedent and tone for how the 2028 campaign unfolds across all political parties competing in Ghana's election cycle.