Journalist Manasseh Azure has publicly declared his support for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the New Patriotic Party’s upcoming presidential primaries, citing the Vice President’s leadership potential and comparative strengths over other contenders.
In a personal commentary, the journalist said he has never claimed political neutrality and has previously stated his interest in who governs Ghana.
“I’m a citizen of Ghana before being a journalist. I vote. And I care who becomes president,” he wrote.
He revealed that he voted for the NPP’s Nana Akufo-Addo in 2016 after supporting John Mahama in 2012, but explained that Mahama had not earned his vote for a second term.
Although he abstained from voting in the 2024 elections, the journalist said Ghana’s democracy requires strong opposition leadership and credible alternatives heading into 2028.
He expressed concern that an NPP victory in 2024 would have signaled a tolerance for impunity, but noted that many Ghanaians shared his view and acted to hold the party accountable.
With the NPP now set to elect a new leader, he stated that Dr. Bawumia stands out “by miles” among the current contenders.
“Even if I end up not voting for Bawumia, it is in the interest of our democracy that the opposition elects a strong, level-headed candidate,” he noted.
He acknowledged Bawumia’s role in the current administration but argued that this should not disqualify him outright, especially considering the weaknesses of his internal opponents.
The journalist also ranked former NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong, as his second preference, adding that his first choice would have been Dr. Yaw Adutwum, had he not been a minister.
He concluded that Bawumia represents the NPP’s best hope of fielding a unifying and formidable candidate ahead of the 2028 general election.
Below is Manasseh’s post: