Bawumia promise us his running mate will come from Ashanti Region – NPP MP
The Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, has disclosed that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the former Vice President and 2024 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has promised to select his running mate from the Ashanti Region if he wins the party’s upcoming January 2026 presidential primaries.
Dr. Ayew Afriyie made this known during an interview on Wontumi TV, following a visit by a group of NPP Members of Parliament to Dr. Bawumia’s residence. He noted that the purpose of their visit was to reaffirm their full support for Dr. Bawumia, whom they consider the most suitable person to lead the party into the 2028 general elections.
“Dr Bawumia has told us clearly that if elected, he will choose a running mate from the Ashanti Region. We met him not out of pressure or instruction from above, but because we believe in his vision,” Dr. Ayew Afriyie stated.
According to him, the assurance from Dr. Bawumia is not only strategic but timely, as it is expected to reinforce the NPP’s dominance in its traditional stronghold and promote a sense of regional balance and unity within the party’s rank and file.
He added that such a move would strengthen the NPP’s electoral base ahead of 2028 and inspire confidence in the Ashanti Region, which has consistently delivered significant votes for the party.
Dr. Ayew Afriyie also urged all presidential aspirants and their supporters within the NPP to conduct a peaceful and issue-based campaign as the 2026 primaries draw closer. He called on party members to avoid unnecessary divisions that could weaken their collective strength.
He stressed the importance of party unity and said the NPP must remain focused on presenting a strong, united front to retain political power.
As the NPP gears up for its flagbearer race in January 2026, Dr. Bawumia is widely considered the front-runner. His indication to pick a running mate from the Ashanti Region is likely to win him more backing from key stakeholders in that region, which plays a critical role in the party’s electoral strategy.