By GhanaNewsPage 
A former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sounded a cautionary note ahead of the party’s 2026 presidential flagbearer contest, warning that the internal competition between former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and outspoken former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong may pose a greater threat to the party’s future than Alan Kyerematen’s much-publicized departure. With the 2028 general elections on the horizon, the party elder believes that the stakes are higher than ever—and internal disunity could cost the NPP dearly at the polls.
Speaking in a televised interview on Oyerepa TV on June 18, 2025, the former chairman emphasized that the NPP must urgently address internal tensions to prevent long-term damage. “The party must prioritize the concerns of the grassroots and youth. It should not be about how long someone has served the party—even someone who joined yesterday may bring fresh, transformative ideas,” he said. His comments came amid growing speculation that the race between Bawumia and Agyapong could fracture the party’s base and disrupt its momentum heading into the next election cycle.
Bawumia vs. Kennedy: A Brewing Political Storm
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, having completed two terms as Ghana’s Vice President, remains a strong contender within the party and is seen by many as the establishment favorite. His record on economic policy, digital transformation, and governance reforms gives him credibility, especially among technocrats and middle-class voters. However, his elite image may alienate some grassroots members seeking a more relatable and populist candidate.
On the other hand, Kennedy Agyapong has emerged as a formidable challenger. Known for his bold, unfiltered communication style and tough anti-corruption stance, Ken appeals to a wide range of party faithful, especially those who feel disconnected from the leadership structure. His campaign promises to disrupt “business as usual,” resonating strongly with youth groups, informal workers, and frustrated party foot soldiers.
The former NPP chairman argues that this internal contest, if not managed properly, could be far more destabilizing than Alan Kyerematen’s exit in 2023. While Kyerematen’s resignation and subsequent independent bid shook the party’s elite structure, the Bawumia-Kennedy battle is happening from within—and threatens to split the party across ideological, generational, and regional lines.
Read more:”“Who Born Dog!” – Kennedy Agyapong Explodes at Abronye During Bawumia’s Bono Tour“
Danger of Deepening Factions
He warned that the contest is already creating visible rifts among party executives, constituency organizers, and even Members of Parliament. Social media platforms and party forums have become battlegrounds for both camps, with insults, misinformation, and tribal undertones beginning to dominate the conversation.
“This is no longer a healthy competition of policies,” the former chairman noted. “It’s becoming personal. It’s becoming tribal. And if we don’t put structures in place to regulate it, the 2026 primaries could leave us more divided than ever before.”
He cited the lingering effects of Alan Kyerematen’s exit as a lesson the party has not fully learned from. Unlike Alan, who walked away peacefully, a bruising internal campaign between Ken and Bawumia could lead to open rebellion, mass defections, or voter apathy by 2028—just when the NPP would need to mobilize every supporter to maintain electoral dominance.
Call for Unity and Reform
To safeguard the party’s future, the former chairman urged current executives to remain neutral, enforce fair rules, and listen to the concerns of grassroots members. He also advocated for a post-primaries reconciliation framework that includes all aspirants and supporters, not just those who win.
“The 2028 elections are not just about the NPP winning power,” he said. “They are about the survival of the party’s values. If we lose our unity, no candidate—no matter how popular—can win.”
He stressed that both Dr. Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong must lead by example by promoting peace and maturity among their supporters. “They are both brilliant in their own ways. But this is not a war. It’s a leadership transition. And they must act accordingly.”
As the NPP approaches its defining moment in the 2026 flagbearer race, the warning from the former chairman serves as a timely call for reflection, strategy, and healing. The internal battle between Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong must be seen not just as a competition for leadership but as a test of the party’s ability to remain united, responsive, and future-ready. With the 2028 general elections looming, the decisions made today will determine whether the NPP remains a cohesive political force—or becomes a fractured movement unable to reclaim national leadership.
