A senior adviser to the Dr Mahamudu Bawumia campaign, Sammi Awuku, has revealed that the former vice president appeared visibly displeased during the peace pact signed by New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirants, citing concerns over developments surrounding the party’s internal elections.
According to Awuku, Dr Bawumia did not hide his feelings, departing from his usual cheerful public demeanor.
“Dr Bawumia did not pretend about how he felt. Anyone who watched closely could see that he was not his usual smiling self. He was clearly moody, and that tells you that all is not well,” Awuku said.
Speaking in an interview on Adom TV, Awuku explained that several decisions by the NPP Election Committee had left the Bawumia camp dissatisfied.
“One of the major issues is the decision to decline proxy voting. Dr Bawumia has a very strong support base in the Diaspora, which played a major role in his convincing victory in the 2023 presidential primaries. To suddenly take away proxy voting is a big blow and raises serious concerns,” he said.
Awuku described the decision as a form of sabotage against the former vice president, arguing that it disproportionately affects his support base. He further highlighted unresolved controversies surrounding the representation of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) in the electoral process.
“The TESCON issue has not been handled well at all. It is another challenge that adds to the growing perception that the process is not being managed fairly,” he added.
He also alleged that the party’s disciplinary processes are being applied selectively to disadvantage Dr Bawumia’s camp.
“Several party members who express views perceived to favour Dr Bawumia are quickly hauled before disciplinary committees, while supporters of other aspirants who make equally offensive remarks against him face no sanctions. There is something fishy going on,” Awuku stated.
Meanwhile, William Yamoah, Secretary of the NPP Election Committee, rejected claims that the process is skewed against any aspirant.
Speaking on the same programme, he insisted that the committee has acted in good faith and remains committed to delivering a credible election.
“We have done our best as a committee, and we firmly believe that the election will be free, fair and transparent. Throughout this process, we have consistently engaged the agents and representatives of all aspirants in most of the key decisions governing the election,” Yamoah said.
He added that he would be surprised if any aspirant publicly criticised the committee, given the level of consultation and stakeholder engagement that has taken place.
