Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Senior Campaign Adviser to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has expressed confidence that Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy has significantly weakened the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle, Agyepong explained that Dr. Bawumia’s election as the NPP’s flagbearer has effectively disrupted the NDC’s longstanding strategy of using ethnocentric rhetoric to fuel anti-NPP sentiments.
Historically, the NDC has portrayed the NPP as an “Akan party” to rally support, particularly in regions like the Zongo communities and the North, where the narrative has resonated with voters. According to Agyepong, this tactic has been one of the NDC’s most potent propaganda tools since the early 1980s. By framing the NPP as a party that primarily serves the interests of the Akan people, particularly those from the Ashanti region, the NDC has used this message to sway voters away from the ruling party.
However, Agyepong argued that the election of Dr. Bawumia, a Northerner and a Muslim, has complicated the NDC’s ability to use this strategy. He explained that Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy demonstrates the NPP’s inclusivity and broad voter appeal, transcending ethnic lines and uniting people across the country. This shift, Agyepong noted, has left the NDC struggling to find an effective message to counter the NPP’s appeal under Dr. Bawumia’s leadership.
Agyepong pointed out that the NDC’s reliance on ethnocentric tactics has been a consistent feature of their campaigns for decades. He referenced the NDC’s use of the Alien Compliance Order of 1982 as a key element in their strategy to portray the NPP as anti-Northern and unwelcoming to other ethnic groups. This narrative has been reinforced over the years by NDC leaders, including their presidential candidates and party officials.
In his interview, Agyepong cited recent statements made by some NDC leaders as evidence of the party’s deep-seated reliance on this rhetoric. He mentioned that a former NDC presidential candidate had publicly questioned whether the NPP would ever elect a non-Akan candidate like Dr. Bawumia, casting doubt on the party’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. According to Agyepong, these remarks were further echoed by NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey, who expressed skepticism about the NPP’s willingness to break from its Akan roots.
Despite these doubts, the NPP decisively elected Dr. Bawumia as their flagbearer with 61% of the vote, signaling a major shift in the party’s image and leadership. Agyepong emphasized that this decision has not only silenced critics but has also disarmed the NDC of their most potent propaganda weapon. He believes that Dr. Bawumia’s leadership has effectively neutralized the NDC’s ability to use ethnocentric arguments to rally voters, particularly in Zongo communities and other traditionally NDC strongholds.
Agyepong expressed optimism about the NPP’s prospects in the upcoming 2024 general election, particularly in regions where the party has historically struggled to gain traction. He noted that the party’s grassroots support remains strong and that Dr. Bawumia’s leadership has energized the base, particularly in areas like Greater Accra. He believes that the NPP’s inclusive leadership under Dr. Bawumia will resonate with voters across the country and help the party make significant gains in key regions.
“I’m pretty confident that we may surprise a few in Accra. In any case, people have forgotten that, for the first time, electing Dr. Bawumia has also disarmed the NDC of their most potent propaganda weapon,” Agyepong said. He reiterated that the NDC’s traditional campaign message, which has focused on portraying the NPP as an ethnocentric party, is no longer effective in the face of Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy.
Agyepong also highlighted the significance of the NPP’s decision to elect Dr. Bawumia, noting that it reflects the party’s commitment to national unity and its desire to move beyond ethnic divisions. He acknowledged that the party has faced internal conflicts and challenges in the past, but he believes that Dr. Bawumia’s leadership has strengthened the party’s position and demonstrated its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds.
In conclusion, Agyepong expressed confidence in the NPP’s ability to win the 2024 general election, citing Dr. Bawumia’s leadership as a key factor in the party’s growing appeal. He believes that the NPP’s inclusive message and strong grassroots support will help the party overcome its challenges and make significant gains in key regions, particularly in areas where the NDC has historically been dominant. As the campaign continues, Agyepong is optimistic that the NPP’s message of unity and inclusivity will resonate with voters and lead to a successful outcome in the upcoming election.
