Kojo Bamba’s campaign message focused on delegate security helped him defy expectations in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) national executive election, according to Nana Akomea, who finished third in the race for Third Vice Chairperson.
Akomea said he had expected to place first or second but came in third, a result that surprised and disappointed him. “I was expected to be first or second, not third,” he said. Despite the disappointment, he acknowledged the contest was tight. “Yes, it disappointed me a little, but I knew it was going to be tough.”
The election saw very narrow margins separating the top candidates. Akomea described the difference in votes as “very close, very tight,” with the top four candidates receiving votes in the range of “2900 and something” to “3000 and something.” The closeness underscored how competitive the race had become.
Akomea attributed Bamba’s success to a distinct campaign approach. “Bamba, whom nobody gave much chance, and the poll that you referred to about him, I think gave him 5% or 6% or something,” he said. “But you know, Bamba’s message was clever, very clever. His message was different.”
While Akomea and other candidates such as Mustapha Hamid and Ahiagbah campaigned on their long service and experience within the party, Bamba offered a contrasting message. “Whilst Nana B., myself, Mustapha Hamid, Ahiagbah, and all those people, we had basically the same message that we had served the party faithfully for a long time,” Akomea said.
Bamba’s campaign centred on protecting delegates and ensuring election integrity. “Bamba’s message was that these people—they’ve served the party for a long time. I don’t intend to compete with them; what I want to give you is your security. security,” Akomea explained.
This approach allowed Bamba to differentiate himself from the other candidates. “So you vote for two of them. Two of them, and then make sure that you admin for the sake of your security,” Akomea said. “So they will do the work, and I’ll just protect the ballot and protect you.”
Akomea also dismissed the influence of opinion polls in the election process. He said candidates had direct contact with delegates, which gave them immediate feedback on their campaign messages. “Don’t let T-shirts come between you and them. Don’t let them focus on caps and T-shirts and paraphernalia,” he said. “And you don’t need the polls because you are meeting the people directly, and you can know from their reaction if your message resonates with them.”
The NPP election demonstrated how distinct messaging and ground-level engagement with delegates can overturn poll predictions. Bamba’s focus on delegate security attracted enough support to push him past candidates who relied on their established reputations.
According to Joy Online.
