John Boadu banks on 18-year bond with Bawumia in NPP chairmanship bid

Aspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has placed his longstanding relationship with the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, at the centre of his campaign, arguing that their political partnership is rooted in nearly two decades of trust, loyalty and shared service.

John Boadu, a former General Secretary and National Organiser of the NPP says his ability to work with Bawumia should not be judged as a product of the current internal contest for national executive positions, insisting that their relationship dates back to 2008, when Dr Bawumia was selected as running mate to then NPP presidential candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

According to Boadu, he was given the responsibility of serving as Bawumia’s first spokesperson at the time, an assignment that brought the two men into close contact as they travelled across the country to engage party members and supporters.

He recalled accompanying Dr Bawumia on his nationwide engagements, including interactions with students and young NPP supporters on tertiary campuses.

John Boadu argues that those early experiences laid the foundation for a relationship that has continued through successive political seasons and changes within the party.

‘Our relationship is not a product of today’s politics’

The aspiring National Chairman says the strength of his relationship with Bawumia is demonstrated by the length of time they have worked together.

He describes the relationship as an 18-year partnership built around trust, loyalty, shared responsibilities and commitment to the NPP.

According to him, the two have navigated both difficult and successful periods together, sharing in the party’s challenges as well as its electoral victories while maintaining a common commitment to the NPP and the development.

John Boadu’s emphasis on this history is also intended to assure party delegates that a John Boadu-led NPP would be able to work effectively with Bawumia as the party’s presidential candidate.

He has sought to make his political experience and record central to his campaign for the National Chairmanship.

“I have the history. I have the experience. I have the track record,” he said, presenting his long involvement in the party as an asset at a time when the NPP is seeking to reorganise following its electoral setback.

He argues that the lessons accumulated from his years of service will enable him to unite the party, rebuild its structures and reposition the organisation for its next electoral challenge.