Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Senior Campaign Adviser to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, has asserted that Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy has effectively neutralised the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle, Mr. Agyepong explained that the NDC has historically relied on ethnocentric tactics to fuel anti-NPP sentiments, portraying the ruling party as an “Akan party” to sway voters.

However, the NDC’s long-standing narrative has been disrupted with the election of Dr. Bawumia, a Northerner and a Muslim, as the NPP’s flagbearer.

Mr. Agyepong argued that Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy demonstrates the NPP’s inclusivity and broad voter appeal, transcending ethnic lines. This shift, he noted, has complicated the NDC’s ability to effectively push its traditional campaign message.

He further emphasized that the NPP’s choice of Dr. Bawumia has silenced critics and showcased the party’s commitment to national unity.

According to Agyepong, despite internal conflicts and challenges, Dr. Bawumia’s leadership strengthens the party’s position, particularly in regions like Greater Accra.

He expressed confidence in the NPP’s chances in the upcoming 2024 general election, stating that the party still has significant support across the country, especially in key areas.

“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. Because from 1982, all they needed to do was to go to the Zongos and do a very ethnocentric campaign, talk about the NPP as an Asante party not even an Akan party. And create hate that we don’t respect the rest of the country.

“We don’t respect people from the North and all that. And from 1982, they resurrected the Alien Compliance Order. They have been masters in propaganda.

“And to the extent that their candidate was out there telling the whole world he wants to see whether his younger brother, Dr Bawumia will be given the nod. You know this Akan party, these Ashanti people they will never give it to him. Didn’t he say that? It was emphasised by their general secretary Fifi Kwetey, that they believed it so much.

“The party thought otherwise and voted 61% [for Bawumia]. Now they’re struggling with their messages. I believe strongly that areas that we used not to go to, they know we’re fighting them on that turf.”

He highlighted the party’s formidable grassroots support, characterising its base as “very strong”.