The Vice President and flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia received a rousing reception in Kumasi over the weekend as he attended the funeral of former First Lady, Madam Theresa Kufuor.
Dr. Bawumia was elected the new leader of the NPP earlier this month, and his attendance at the funeral on Saturday, was his first public appearance in the NPP’s fortress since he was elected.
Expectedly, hundreds of residents, who had also turned up to sympathise with former President John Agyekum Kufuor, massed up to welcome Dr. Bawumia as he arrived at the funeral with his entourage.
Dr. Bawumia and his wife, Samira, were aboard what has now become his customary bus, together with his delegation, and the charged crowd of mourners, surrounded the bus to welcome him with songs expressing their admiration for him.
Ashanti Region, the NPP’s stronghold, backed Dr. Bawumia’s flagbearership bid by voting massively for him in the NPP Presidential Primaries, with nearly 70% of the votes.
Bawumia elected
NPP elected Vice President Bawumia on November 4, 2023 as its new leader and flagbearer for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Dr. Bawumia emerged victorious with 61.43% in the NPP primaries, securing the party’s nomination for the race to the presidency.
The certified results announced by Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission, Dr Serebour Quaicoe, disclosed that Dr Bawumia polled 118,210 votes representing 61.47%, while his closest contender Kennedy Agyapong, polled 71,996 votes representing 37.41%.
Dr Afriyie Akoto, who placed a distant third polled 1,459 votes representing 0.76%, while Addai-Nimoh managed only 731 votes representing 0.41%.
In all, 192,446 delegates voted in Saturday’s presidential primary, with total valid votes being 193, 346. 900 votes were rejected, and turnout stood at 94.63%.
Dr. Bawumia’s journey to become the governing party’s flagbearer was not without intense competition and political drama, including a strong challenge from Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, and the fallout from the Super Delegates’ Conference.
Alan Kyerematen, a prominent figure in the party and a former Trade and Industry Minister, decided to part ways with the NPP.
However, Mr Kennedy Agyapong, known for his strong stance on issues and a vocal presence within the party, presented a formidable challenge in the main presidential primary.
Despite his spirited campaign, Dr Bawumia’s extensive experience as Vice President and a carefully managed campaign helped him secure the nomination.
The Assin Central MP’s spirited run for the NPP flagbearer position demonstrated the party’s internal dynamics and the diversity of voices within it.
While he was unsuccessful in securing the nomination, his contribution to the NPP’s political landscape remains significant.
