Akufo-Addo giving Bawumia space to assert himself as NPP leader – Gabby Otchere-Darko

Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stated that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is allowing Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to establish himself as the party's leader. According to Otchere-Darko, the new president has been giving Bawumia the space to take on the role of NPP leadership and has the backing of the party.

The former president and Bawumia, who served as vice president together from 2017 to 2025, have a strong relationship, Otchere-Darko noted, dismissing any rumors of tension as "excellent." The dynamics between the two have shifted following the 2024 presidential election, in which Bawumia ran for the party's flagbearer position after serving as vice president under Akufo-Addu.

Otchere-Darko pointed out that Akufo-Addo did not publicly endorse Bawumia during the NPP's 2024 primary election. Despite this, Bawumia now leads the party and garners the support of the organization. Regarding the ongoing NPP national executive elections, Otchere-Darko rejected claims that Bawumia is supporting specific candidates.

Instead, he said that the NPP leader wants executives who will help him deliver. Bawumia has connections with the candidates vying for the various positions, but the final decision should be left to the delegates, Otchere-Darko explained. He also dismissed the notion that any elected candidate might work against the party's interests ahead of the 2028 general election, asserting that everyone would support the party in the future.