The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer contest is witnessing a series of high-profile realignments, as key figures previously aligned with former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia recalibrate their loyalties.

These movements signal deeper strategic shifts within the party, as members reassess the paths to unity, credibility, and victory ahead of the 2028 general elections.

One of the most notable developments involves Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey, a former Member of Parliament and past Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund.

Once a staunch Bawumia supporter, she is now reportedly backing Kennedy Agyapong.

Insiders attribute her pivot to long-term political ambitions and growing confidence in Agyapong’s grassroots momentum—alongside speculation that she harbours vice-presidential aspirations.

Similarly, Dome-Kwabenya MP Adwoa Safo—previously visible in the Bawumia camp—has quietly realigned with Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign.

Party observers interpret her shift as a reflection of declining confidence in the Vice President’s strategy and organisational grip.

In another symbolic move, Rev. George Opoku Acheampong, former convener of the Friends of Bawumia (FOB), has rebranded the group as Friends of Bryan Acheampong (FOBA).

“Bryan understands the times. He’s not just campaigning—he’s calling the party to unite, rebuild, and rise,” Rev. Acheampong said at a recent event in the Eastern Region.

Further strengthening Bryan Acheampong’s bid is the defection of Isaac Botchwey, former Head of Security for Dr. Bawumia. Botchwey has joined Bryan’s operations team and was recently seen coordinating campaign activities at the party headquarters during vetting sessions—a move insiders describe as a tactical setback for Bawumia’s core campaign machinery.

The rise of FOBA and the consolidation of Bryan Acheampong’s network have injected renewed vigour into his campaign, particularly among faith-based groups, technocrats, and grassroots organisers.

His message of unity, discipline, and strategic renewal appears to be gaining traction in the Greater Accra and Eastern regions.

These defections come at a critical time for the NPP, still recovering from its underwhelming 2024 electoral performance. According to party insiders, the realignments reflect ongoing concerns about messaging, inclusivity, and the party’s capacity to mobilise a broad and energised base ahead of 2028.

 

As coalition-building intensifies, the moves by Naa Torshie, Adwoa Safo, Rev. Acheampong, and Isaac Botchwey could prove pivotal in shaping the NPP’s internal dynamics—and potentially, its electoral future.