Freddie Blay
Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Worsemao Blay, has endorsed former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s bid to lead the party into the 2028 general election, describing him as the best candidate to unite the party and wrestle power from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM, Mr. Blay, who is also a member of the party’s National Council and National Executive Committee, said his position aligns with that of several Members of Parliament (MPs) and party supporters who have publicly backed Dr. Bawumia.
“I endorse his candidature. I associate myself with the MPs, and most of the MPs who have said that he’s the best. Even past MPs who lost their elections have come out to say that Dr. Bawumia is the best leader we can use for this election. I endorse it wholeheartedly,” he said.
“I have not changed my position from day one. I believe we should continue with Dr. Bawumia,” he added.
Touching on the party’s internal elections, Mr. Blay said the decision to organise presidential primaries ahead of other internal contests was strategic, given the party’s performance and preparations for the next general election.
According to him, the process has helped revive enthusiasm within the party following its defeat in the 2024 general election.
While acknowledging that internal contests could generate tension, he stressed that such challenges were normal in a competitive democracy.
“All the presidential aspirants have gone around to organise the party, and you can see that there is some spirit back in the party. The lethargy is gone. In a candidacy, there is sometimes fear even among brothers. The struggle is okay. They are friendly hostilities,” he said.
Mr. Blay described the contest so far as healthy and competitive, admitting that occasional insults had emerged, but insisted they were part of political organisation and preparation.
“It’s been very good and very competitive. There are times we see insults all over the place, but it’s a rehearsal for the main battle ahead of us, which is against the NDC. Don’t break any bones. It all adds up to the chemistry of bringing out the best character among the aspirants and the leadership,” he stated.
Assessing the campaign atmosphere, he cautioned party members against excessive internal attacks and expressed confidence that the party would emerge more united after the presidential primary.
Despite some disagreements among aspirants, Mr. Blay said supporters would reconcile and rally behind whoever emerges victorious.
On the 2028 general election, he said the NPP was well-positioned to unseat the NDC, particularly if it selects the right candidate.
He argued that the economic policies under the previous NPP administration, especially in gold-related initiatives and energy sector management, were underappreciated.
“In terms of managing the economy and building long-lasting stability, the NPP did very well,” he said and added, “Sooner rather than later, Ghanaians will realise that the economy was in capable hands.”
A total of 211,849 delegates are expected to vote at 333 polling centres across 276 constituencies nationwide on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
According to the party, polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 2:00 p.m., after which results will be declared at the party’s headquarters at Asylum Down in Accra.
Five aspirants are contesting the presidential slot. They former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong; former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong; former Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong; and former Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah