A commentary argues that Sammi Awuku should partner Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2028 election.
The piece, published by prekehmedia – LINK, draws on parallels between the 1996, 2000, 2024 and 2028 elections. It does not report any decision by the NPP.
On Saturday, 7 December 1996, John Agyekum Kufuor, with Kow Nkensen Arkaah as his running mate, lost the presidential election to Jerry John Rawlings. Mr Kufuor received 2,834,878 votes (39.7%) against 4,099,758 (57%). The National Democratic Congress (NDC) won 133 parliamentary seats and the NPP 60.
Mr Kufuor returned on Thursday, 7 December 2000, with Alhaji Aliu Mahama as his running mate. After a run-off on Thursday, 28 December 2000, he won about 57% of the vote. The NPP secured 100 parliamentary seats to the NDC’s 92, and Mr Kufuor was sworn in on 7 January 2001.
The commentary says the change of running mate, the early selection of a presidential candidate and the early selection of national officers, followed by victory, is the central lesson. In its words, political renewal can create a pathway to success.
On Saturday, 7 December 2024, Dr Bawumia, with Napo as his running mate, lost to John Dramani Mahama. He won 41.7% against almost 56.5%. The NDC took 183 parliamentary seats and the NPP 88. The commentary notes parallels with 1996, including the Saturday election date and the experience of presidential defeat.
The next presidential election is scheduled for Thursday, 7 December 2028, which the commentary says echoes 2000. It notes that Mr Mahama cannot seek another elected term, so the NDC will need a new candidate. It compares this with 2000, when Mr Rawlings was constitutionally barred from another term and John Evans Atta Mills became the NDC’s candidate.
On this basis, the commentary argues that a Bawumia–Sammi Awuku pairing would strengthen party unity, broaden electoral appeal and mobilise support nationwide. It compares this with the Kufuor–Aliu Mahama combination after the 1996 defeat.
The commentary also offers a spiritual interpretation, which it describes as expressing a belief in divine guidance.
Source:prekehmedia – LINK