Former Minister for Tourism, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has acknowledged that all five aspirants in the New Patriotic Party’s presidential race are capable, but insists that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia clearly stands above the rest.

Speaking on Metro TV on Thursday, January 22, Mr Mercer said the contest should not be framed as a question of competence alone, but of who best positions the party for victory in 2028.

“All five aspirants are qualified, but Bawumia stands tall when you look at experience, national appeal and readiness to lead,” he stated.

He explained that Dr Bawumia’s exposure as Vice President and flagbearer in the 2024 elections gives him a strategicadvantage over his competitors.

According to Mr Mercer, this is why a growing number of senior party figures and former parliamentary candidates have lined up behind Dr Bawumia’s bid to once again lead the NPP into the 2028 general elections.