Delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) heading into January 31, 2026, presidential primaries to elect a flagbearer for the 2028 general elections appear to be converging around a clear preference: consistency, experience, emotional intelligence and practical ideas that can deliver results.

That chorus, echoed by delegates across the country, strongly favours Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, whom many describe as the most prepared, most visible and most dependable option on the ballot.

When this paper interviewed a cross-section of delegates across the length and breadth of the country, they repeatedly cited consistency as a political virtue that has historically paid dividends in Ghana’s democratic journey.

To them, consistency is not merely persistence; it is proof of conviction, resilience, and long-term commitment to national leadership.

They point to Ghana’s recent political history to underscore their argument.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor contested and lost in 1996 before defeating John Evans Atta Mills in 2000. Similarly, the late Prof John Evans Atta Mills was presented twice before eventually winning the presidency.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also emerged victorious on his third attempt, while John Dramani Mahama secured the presidency after being presented more than once.

Against this backdrop, delegates say the question confronting the party is straightforward: why disrupt a proven path?

In their view, Dr Bawumia represents continuity backed by experience, and there is no compelling reason to abandon that trajectory.

Beyond consistency, delegates argue that none of the other contenders in the race can match Dr Bawumia’s depth of experience and national exposure.

They describe him as a well-marketed candidate whose name resonates across the political divide.

From extensive grassroots visibility to sustained media presence, delegates note that his message has been seen, heard, and tested nationwide—making him, in their words, “easy to market” in a general election.

His eight-year tenure as Vice President also featured prominently in delegates’ assessments.

Many credit Dr Bawumia with redefining the role of the vice presidency, particularly through his leadership in Ghana’s digitisation drive.

They say initiatives under his stewardship have simplified everyday life, improved service delivery, added value to businesses, and created a clear differentiation for Ghana’s economy in the digital age.

Delegates further point to recent economic stabilisation efforts, attributing significant impact to policy interventions associated with Dr Bawumia, including the Gold-for-Reserves programme, which they believe has contributed meaningfully to currency and macroeconomic stability.

Above all, delegates describe him as thorough, respectful, and deeply knowledgeable—qualities they say the party urgently needs at a time of reflection and rebuilding.

As the NPP goes to the polls, the prevailing sentiment among delegates interviewed by this paper is unmistakable: experience matters, consistency counts, and for many within the party, those values find their clearest expression in Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.