Members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament have unanimously pledged their unflinching support for former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia towards the 2028 general election.
The lawmakers made the solemn pledge when they visited the former Vice President at his private residence in Accra, to congratulate him, following his emphatic victory in the presidential primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This signalled a renewed drive for unity as the party prepares for the 2028 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The visit was widely believed to be an important step towards mending internal cracks that surfaced during the primary in which some MPs were aligned with other aspirants, including Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
In view of divisions that have often characterised such internal elections, the visit of all the lawmakers to Dr Bawumia has sent a strong message that the parliamentary wing of the party is prepared to unite behind the chosen candidate.
The former Vice President secured a landslide mandate from delegates across the country, defeating four other presidential aspirants in arguably the most competitive internal contest the party has held since 1992.
Dr Bawumia emerged as the clear winner of the January 31, 2026, presidential primary with an overwhelming endorsement from party delegates, polling 110,643 votes, representing 56.48 per cent of total valid votes cast.
His closest challenger, former Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, obtained 46,554 votes (23.76%), while Dr Bryan Acheampong placed third with 36,303 votes (18.53%).
Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum placed fourth with 1,999 (1.02%), and former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong came fifth with 402 votes (0.02%).
The massive outcome has strengthened the hands of Dr Bawumia to lead the party into the next general election with high optimism that the NPP will recapture power after its defeat in the 2024 polls.
Bawumia promises forgiveness and open door policy
Addressing the MPs, Dr Bawumia struck a reconciliatory tone, stating that he had forgiven those who spoke against him during the campaign period and was focused solely on victory for the party.
He reminded the caucus that primaries are a natural feature of democracy and should not leave lasting wounds.
“My mind is open, my heart is open, and my hands are open,” Dr Bawumia told the legislators.
He emphasised his willingness to work with anyone who can contribute to the party’s success.
Dr Bawumia insisted that personal attacks and internal rivalries must now be set aside, as the task ahead requires collective sacrifice and cooperation.
Commitment of the MPs
The Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who led the delegation, reaffirmed the loyalty of the caucus to the new flagbearer and pledged regular engagement with his office for strategic direction.
He admitted that the party’s time in opposition since 2024 has been challenging, with MPs often forced to operate without clear central coordination.
“With you now as the anchorman, we look up to you for vision and direction,” Osahen Afenyo-Markin stated.
He urged colleagues to abandon corridor whispers and factional tendencies, warning that individualism could only weaken the party’s chances of reclaiming power.
Rebuilding after defeat
The Minority Leader reminded the caucus of NPP’s shrinking numbers in Parliament, noting that the party’s seats reduced from 169 in 2017 to just 87 MPs after the 2024 general election.
The Minority Leader, who is also the MP for Effutu, said the responsibility now lies with every MP to return to their constituencies, rebuild grassroots support, and contribute to improving the party’s parliamentary strength in 2028.
On his part, Dr Bawumia expressed confidence that the party’s defeat in 2024 was reversible.
He argued that electoral data suggest the NDC’s numbers remained largely static, while the NPP’s loss stemmed significantly from voter apathy among its own base.
According to him, the path back to victory lies in reactivating supporters who stayed home and restoring confidence in the party’s message.
Call for total unity
The visit ended with a clear message: the contest is over, and the party must now move forward as one.
Dr Bawumia assured the MPs that he would not allow personal grievances to influence decisions and promised full support for candidates and party actors capable of delivering victory.
The Minority Caucus also pledged to play its role in shaping strategy, strengthening parliamentary performance, and projecting a united front to the Ghanaian public.
The show of support by the members of the Minority caucus marks the first step in post-primary unity efforts within the NPP, as the party begins the process of consolidating around Dr Bawumia’s leadership.
