Dr. Adutwum breaks ranks with Bawumia, declares intent to contest 2028 NPP presidential primaries

Former Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has officially announced his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries ahead of the 2028 general elections, signaling a bold break from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Once considered a staunch ally of Dr. Bawumia and a potential vice-presidential pick during the 2024 elections, Dr. Adutwum’s declaration marks a significant shift in the NPP’s internal political dynamics.

His announcement came through a striking social media post tagged with the hashtag #TheAdutwumFactor, in which he described himself as the “NPP’s surest bet for victory in 2028.”

“In the silence of the noise, one man’s record speaks louder than mere campaign chants. One man’s impact echoes across every region,” Dr. Adutwum stated in his post. “One man’s vision is what Ghana needs for a total Ghanaian transformation.”

The post was accompanied by a campaign-themed image featuring the NPP’s logo and colors, and boldly declaring “The ADUTWUM FACTOR – The NPP’s surest bet for victory in 2028.” The initials “Y.A. 2028” at the bottom of the image further solidified the former Minister’s presidential ambitions.

Dr. Adutwum, known for his technocratic leadership in the education sector, has earned national and international praise for pioneering significant reforms, particularly in Ghana’s expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

His decision to contest is likely to deepen intra-party competition and could set the stage for a keenly contested presidential primary. Analysts believe his move might appeal to technocrats, educational stakeholders, and sections of the party seeking fresh leadership beyond the traditional establishment.

With Dr. Bawumia expected to remain a formidable contender, Dr. Adutwum’s entry introduces a new dynamic that could redefine alliances and strategies within the NPP as it prepares for the 2028 general elections.

The NPP is yet to release the official guidelines for the 2026 presidential primaries, but insiders suggest that the party leadership is monitoring the early campaigns closely to manage potential tensions.

As Ghana’s political landscape braces for another pivotal election cycle, all eyes will be on how Dr. Adutwum’s vision and platform resonate within the party and across the nation.