New Patriotic Party (NPP) Third Vice Chairman, Nana Akomea, has described Kojo Bamba’s campaign message as a clever and distinctive strategy that helped him gain support during the party’s recent national executive elections.
According to Nana Akomea, Mr Bamba’s campaign approach distinguished him from the other contenders because he focused on an issue that had received comparatively little attention during the campaign, particularly security in areas where delegates had experienced intimidation and violence.
Nana Akomea said that during his campaign visits, he identified security as an important concern in some areas, including Hafu, where he said there had historically been incidents of violence.
He explained that his response was to assure delegates that the party had a security committee made up of experienced security personnel who could help provide enhanced protection and prevent delegates from being subjected to intimidation.
However, Nana Akomea said Kojo Bamba adopted a different strategy, choosing not to compete aggressively with the other candidates and instead presenting himself as a consistent choice for delegates.
He said the strategy resonated strongly with delegates, noting that in several constituencies, people who expressed their intention to vote for him would also mention Mr Bamba, rather than pairing him with other prominent candidates.
Nana Akomea cited the consistency of Mr Bamba’s support among delegates as evidence that his campaign message had made a significant impact.
“That was a unique message, because none of us was very focused on security. When I went to the Hafu area, I knew there was always some violence in the Hafu area, and so you had to then talk about what the party wants to do in terms of security,” Nana Akomea said.
He added that while other candidates were concentrating on their individual campaigns, Mr Bamba’s message created a distinct identity that delegates easily connected with.
According to him, delegates repeatedly mentioned Mr Bamba alongside him when discussing their preferred candidates, while the same pattern did not occur with other candidates.
“Nobody told me we’re going to vote for you and Mustafa Hamid, or we’re going to vote for you and Anabi. They said, you are one of the two people plus Bamba. He was the only constant,” he said.
Nana Akomea further noted that the campaign message had become sufficiently popular among delegates to inspire a slogan, “Akachi for Mienu, Bamba Baku,” which he said supporters repeatedly chanted during his campaign visits.
He believes the slogan and the consistency with which delegates associated Mr Bamba with their preferred candidates demonstrated the effectiveness of his campaign strategy.
“So his message was clever, because it was different,” Nana Akomea said.
His comments highlight the different strategies adopted by candidates in the NPP’s national executive elections, where campaign messages, regional and grassroots mobilisation, and the ability to connect with delegates played important roles in determining the outcome.
Source: Newspyramid.com
