During the NPP New York 33rd anniversary celebration, I had the privilege, as MC, to publicly thank H.E. Dr Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia for selecting my boss and senior brother, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo), as his running mate.

I added that this gesture alone earns him my unwavering support and my vote as a delegate. I am convinced that the Bawumia–Napo ticket has the Midas touch needed to transform Ghana, given their generational mindset and proven ability to solve major national challenges.

I will share more thoughts on this ticket after the presidential primaries at the end of the month.

Now, to my observations from afar…

In the 1980 Republican presidential primaries, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush were fierce competitors, with Bush finishing second in the delegate count.

At the Republican National Convention, after a proposed “co-presidency” arrangement with former President Gerald Ford collapsed, Reagan unexpectedly reached out to Bush and invited him to be his running mate.

The Reagan–Bush ticket went on to win the general election in a landslide.

The NPP may not be positioned to produce a Reagan–Bush-style ticket, but it could very well end up with a scenario where a third contender becomes the running mate and that is where my observations seem to lead.

Many people I speak with believe Dr. Bryan Acheampong entered this race primarily to introduce himself early and position his image for a future presidential bid.

Although some polls place Bryan between 5% and 10%, our political reality shows that many delegates vote based on incentives.

These delegates often support the highest bidder, and from the conversations I’ve had, many believe Bryan is offering the most in this primary.

Having worked with Dr. Bryan Acheampong and Chairman Jeff Konadu Addo in opposition, I know how intelligent and strategic they are. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have a final move planned as the primaries draw near.

If he manages to secure enough votes to prevent any candidate from crossing the 50% plus one threshold, he instantly becomes the key figure to align with, giving him significant influence over who ultimately leads the party.

Should that happen, he may negotiate for the running mate position as part of his bargaining power before throwing his support behind either of the two leading contenders. This could position him as the next running mate to the eventual flagbearer.

This, in my view, appears to be the Bryan team’s strategy, judging from the demeanor of certain individuals in that camp.

Their calm, quiet posture on this blue app, seemingly unfazed by the numbers circulating in campaign videos…is quite telling. Notable among these figures are my Presbyter Charles Nii Teiko Tagoe and our Eastern Regional Chairman Jeff. I hardly see them react to issues like they used to do when they were with us in camp DMB.

But to pull this off, what are the signals?

How is the campaign progressing, are delgates just interested in the cash or are genuinely ready to make a switch? Is it the usual Fun-fooling for the dripping honey or many are ready to vote for the highest bidder as is mostly the case during primaries of such nature.

Until then, I’ll return soon to discuss the strategies of the other candidates. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

Peace…Shallom