Gideon Boako cautions NPP members against dragging Bawumia into regional elections

Dr Gideon Boako, representing Tano North in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has advised members against linking party leader Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to the current regional executive elections. Speaking to reporters after Odeneho Kwaku Appiah’s tour in Afigya Kwabre South, Dr Boako stated that Bawumia is focused on ensuring credible leaders are elected in each region ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The party’s flagbearer is not endorsing any specific candidates, and those running for office and their supporters should not mention Bawumia’s backing for a particular choice. Boako emphasized that as the party’s leader overseeing the process, Bawumia’s priority is to see all regions elect capable executives who can help secure victory in the 2028 elections.

He personally backs Odeneho Kwaku Appiah’s campaign for the Ashanti Regional Chairmanship, but noted that supporters close to Bawumia are backing different candidates. The MP described the situation as typical of a democratic process, where party members should be able to support candidates based on their own judgement without attributing those choices to the party’s leader.

Dr Boako urged other regions, including for roles like Regional Youth Organiser and Regional Organiser, to allow members to vote for the candidates they believe are best suited, as long as they elect leaders capable of unifying the party, strengthening its structures, and mobilising members for the 2028 elections. He argued that the regional elections should ultimately serve to strengthen the NPP and prepare it for the upcoming general election, rather than becoming a source of division within the party.