Former Anyaa Sowutuom MP, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has cautioned that public declarations of support in internal party contests do not guarantee actual votes, warning former MMDCEs that their endorsement of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia could backfire and affect their credibility within the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, June 24, Dr. Adomako Kissi questioned the political wisdom behind the move, especially when discussions are ongoing about formally including MMDCEs in the party’s electoral register.

“It is politically immature for the MMDCEs to do this,” he said. “Because Dr. Bryan Acheampong was making a strong case in the NEC meeting that the MMDCEs should be added to the next register for the elections. So if you are being considered to be put in a register, and you make an open declaration for one candidate, it worsens your appeal to be added.”

He criticised the move as misguided and not well thought through, urging party stakeholders to exercise caution and prioritise unity over personal preferences.

According to him, declarations do not necessarily translate into votes and could create unnecessary political tension within the party.

“Declaring to me is not a guarantee that you will vote. My key point is that any upstart politician is even more worried when people are giving him fans. In the interest of the party, [we need] cohesion, and for us to move forward,” he noted.

Dr. Adomako Kissi’s comments come in the wake of a declaration by 220 former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), who announced their support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

At a press conference held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on Monday, June 23, the group, under the banner “Forum of Former MMDCEs for Dr. Bawumia,”  described their endorsement as a practical commitment to ensure Dr. Bawumia’s victory in both the internal primaries and national elections.