A Good Product Sells Itself: An Obvious Case Of Dr. Bawumia's Presidential Candidacy

The constitution of Ghana clearly spells out the tenure of office of a president of the Republic of Ghana. President Nana Akufo-Addo has served his first four years in office and Ghanaians have given him additional four-year second term to serve them. He is in his third year of the second term and obviously he is not going to contest again for the presidency per the constitution of Ghana. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on which ticket President Nana Akufo-Addo stood and won power, has to present a different candidate for the 2024 general elections. Now, who succeeds President Nana Akufo-Addo to lead NPP in the 2024 general elections?

There are many party stalwarts who have expressed interest to lead NPP in the incoming general elections in Ghana but among them who stands tall is the current Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. It is not just a mere statement but the clamour for Dr. Bawumia to succeed President Nana Akufo-Addo as a flagbearer of the party is overwhelming and lovely.

Even before Dr Bawumia declares his intention to contest the primaries to the general public, many bigwigs of the party have already thrown their weight behind him. It is a common knowledge that out of the 137 NPP's members of parliament (MPs), over 115 MPs are reported to have declared their support for him, waiting for his formal launching of campaign for them to join canvass votes for him to massively win the primaries. Some of the MPs have already hit the grounds running by publicly declaring their support for him. They believe that he is a good product worthy of supporting and sacrificing for.

Dr. Bawumia has also enjoyed massive support from the grassroots of the party. The grassroots, out of pure love, started advocating for him on the grounds and on social media long before the party's formal announcement of the elections' calendar. The grassroots are solidly behind him and are ready to sacrifice for him to lead the NPP to break the eight. The natural and unconditional love exhibited by the grassroots for Dr Bawumia is meritorious as he has sacrificed and defended the party in difficult times. They really appreciate the sacrifices he has made for the party and will rally behind him for a deserved 'Thank You' victory on the 4th November, 2023 in the internal contest.

Recently, the delegates of the Ashanti region had a successful meeting and declared their support for Dr. Bawumia and further promised to give him 85% of the votes in the region. As you all know, Ashanti region is the world bank of the NPP, so such unconditional support and love for Dr Bawumia is refreshing. There are many fun clubs and youth groups in the region who are constantly on the grounds advocating for him to lead the party. Hence, there is no doubt that such a promise will be fulfilled by His grace.

In fact, Dr Bawumia is enjoying unflinching support in all the regions across the length and breadth of the country. The delegates are ready to massively endorse him to lead the party to the extent that, delegates in some regions told him there was no need visiting them to declare his intention to them because he has their unconditional support already. The DMB's signal is very strong and people are connecting to it all over the country. What are you waiting for? The earlier you join the winning team the better.

The mud rush of many party members, sympathizers, groups, delegates, among others to buy the presidential primaries forms for Dr. Bawumia to contest after the party announced officially the presidential primaries calendar is unprecedented. It was interesting and exciting to see many loyalists and well-wishers of Dr. Bawumia willing to pay the Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis for the forms for him and even willing to pick them on his behalf. One could notice that many youth groups, association of delegates, fun clubs of Dr. Bawumia, individual party members, among others were happily in a rush to honour the ever affable, hardworking, competent, dedicated, committed and loyal Vice President by purchasing the forms for him. It is possible that if the forms were to be hundred with each going for Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis, the lovers of Dr Bawumia would have purchased all for him. Notable among the volunteers that needs to be mentioned is the 'Bawumia fun club' in Ashanti region, the stronghold of the party. They availed themselves at the party headquarters to pay and pick the forms for Dr. Bawumia after publicly announcing their intention through the media. Another group that was also ready to pay for the forms is 'North East Youth for Bawumia' of which I am a member. When this idea came up, within few minutes, the amount realized was even more than the cost of the forms. What must be added is that for the deep love for Dr. Bawumia and the quest to get him elected as the next flagbearer, the Walewale Constituency Women's Organizer of the NPP offered to pay the full cost on behalf of the group.

In conclusion, Dr Bawumia's presidential candidacy is an obvious case of a good product sells itself as evidence by the current happenings in the political space within the New Patriotic Party and Ghana at large. He is the delegates' choice who is capable and ready to break the eight for the party. DMB2024! It is possible.

Alhaji Salifu Hadara
A Patriot
Nalerigu/Gambaga Constituency
North East Region
[email protected]