The growing momentum of Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the Zongo community was on display last night at Fadama in Accra during the National Maulid, the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad by the National Chief Imam.

Thousands of Muslims gathered from across the country, and the event was billed to have Vice President Bawumia and former President Mahama among a host of local and international dignitaries.

Around 10:00 p.m., the MC for the event announced the expected arrival of certain dignitaries, including the National Chief Imam, former President Mahama, and Vice President Bawumia, in that order.

However, former President John Mahama, at the last minute, did not show up despite a seat being reserved for him at the high table.

This visibly disappointed some NDC faithful and their officials, who had to determine on the ground who would represent the former President on the dais.

On the side of Vice President Bawumia, he made an appearance with a powerful delegation, and his entry into the grounds was electrifying.

As he arrived and went around the grounds to greet people, he was cheered on wildly by a significant section of the crowd before he assumed his seat after completing all arrival protocols.

There were even more and louder cheers for Dr. Bawumia when he was invited to deliver his address, with a chorus of chants that translated as “whether you like it or not, Bawumia will come.”

Hitherto, the Zongos were a safe haven for the NDC, but the emergence of Dr. Bawumia on the political scene has swayed a number of voters to the NPP, thus significantly reducing the NDC's strength.

A wild cheer for the NPP at a Zongo event would have been unthinkable in the past, but last night's Maulid proved once again how Dr. Bawumia and the NPP are making serious inroads in the Zongos.