Ghanaian gospel musician and political commentator Cwesi Oteng has thrown his support behind former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the ideal c
Ghanaian gospel musician and political commentator Cwesi Oteng has thrown his support behind former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the ideal candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2028 general elections.
His public endorsement, made via a tweet on Thursday, has ignited debate within the ruling party and the broader political landscape, especially as the NPP begins to look beyond its recent electoral loss in 2024.
Oteng’s statement did not merely support Dr. Bawumia; it also issued a warning to the NPP against returning to what he described as divisive political tactics based on ethnicity and religion.
“If the NPP chooses its next flagbearer based on tribal or religious biases, it will no longer be a party of ideas or have a forward-thinking agenda for Ghana,” he posted. “Leadership should be based on ideas, vision, and merit, not tribe or religion.”
His remarks reflect growing concerns among observers that internal power struggles in the NPP, now in opposition, could see the party fracture along factional and ethnic lines as it prepares for a post-Akufo-Addo future.
Party in Transition
After suffering defeat to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and John Dramani Mahama in the December 2024 elections, the NPP has entered a period of introspection.
Former President Akufo-Addo’s two-term tenure was marked by economic turbulence, high youth unemployment, and increasing public dissatisfaction, which ultimately weakened the NPP’s grips on power.
Dr. Bawumia, who served as Vice President from 2017 to 2025, led the party’s ticket in 2024 but lost narrowly to Mahama in a hotly contested race.
Despite the loss, Dr Bawumia has maintained a high profile in the party and the public sphere, continuing to engage with grassroots supporters, traditional leaders, and civil society groups.
Within this context, voices like Cwesi Oteng’s are seen as influential in shaping the narrative ahead of the party’s next internal leadership race, expected in January 2026.
The Intersection of Faith, Tribe, and Politics
Religion and ethnicity have long been undercurrents in Ghanaian politics.
The NPP, historically perceived as a party with Akan dominance, has struggled with internal tensions whenever non-Akan candidates rise through the ranks.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a Muslim from the Northern Ghana, faced similar scrutiny in the lead-up to his 2023 nomination as the party’s flagbearer for the 2024 polls.
Oteng’s comments reflect a broader call for political maturity and inclusivity in the party. By framing his support around “ideas, vision, and merit,” he implicitly challenges those within the NPP who might seek to undermine Bawumia’s future candidacy using sectarian arguments.
He also revealed that he had personally visited Dr. Bawumia “with goodwill,” suggesting continued alignment with the former Vice President’s political philosophy, which emphasizes digitization, modernization of public services, and economic transformation.
Cultural Voices in Politics
Cwesi Oteng is no stranger to political advocacy.
He openly supported Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2016 elections and has consistently used his platform to influence national discourse.
His recent message reinforces the growing trend of entertainers and public figures shaping political narratives, particularly among the youth.
Some analysts see such endorsements as early indicators of where public sentiment may shift in the next election cycle.
NPP Future
Though it is still early days in the NPP’s rebuilding process, names such Bryan Acheampong, Joe Ghartey, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Kennedy Agyapong, and others continue to surface in speculations around 2028.
However, Dr. Bawumia remains a strong contender due to his technocratic background and national appeal, despite the loss in 2024.
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