Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has issued a strong caution to his party
Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has issued a strong caution to his party members, warning them to end internal hostilities and redirect their energies towards scrutinizing and holding the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) accountable.
Speaking at the 2025 NPP National Delegates Conference in Accra, Dr. Bawumia delivered a fiery yet reflective address, calling for unity and discipline within the party as it repositions itself for the 2028 general elections.
He warned that the party risks weakening itself from within through persistent infighting, especially during periods of leadership contests.
“An army that wants to win a battle must exercise discipline within its ranks,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
“Too often, when we are yet to choose leaders, indiscipline, unacceptable language, and unpardonable behavior become the order of the day.”
Reflecting on the 2024 general elections—where the NPP lost power to the NDC—Dr. Bawumia attributed part of the defeat to the public display of party divisions and unrestrained personal attacks that occurred in the lead-up to the election.
“We experienced it in the 2024 campaign, and we should not let it happen again a second time. That is why I call on all kukrudites to stop the internal attacks now,” he appealed to the party faithful.
Bawumia Shifts Focus to NDC’s Governance Record
Beyond internal discipline, Dr. Bawumia called on party members to train their focus on what he described as serious threats to Ghana’s democracy under the Mahama-led NDC administration.
He particularly cited the recent controversial moves against key constitutional institutions, including the Judiciary and the Electoral Commission.
He condemned what he called “the attempt by the NDC to undermine our democracy and the rule of law,” pointing to the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo by President Mahama, which has sparked widespread concern among civil society groups, legal experts, and international observers.
Additionally, he warned that the NDC had set its sights on removing the current Electoral Commissioner, which he interpreted as part of a broader attempt to manipulate future electoral outcomes.
Condemnation of Electoral Violence
Dr. Bawumia also referenced the violence that marred the recent by-election in Ablekuma North, where he alleged that NDC-affiliated thugs attacked voters and disrupted the electoral process in full view of police officers and media cameras.
He demanded accountability from the President and law enforcement agencies.
“I again call on the President to bring the perpetrators to book and to remind them that the elephant never forgets. No matter how long it takes, we will prosecute the perpetrators when we assume office in 2029, insha Allah,” Bawumia vowed.
Call for Strong Leadership and Discipline
To consolidate its front, Bawumia urged NPP leaders at all levels to take firm decisions to uphold discipline and unity.
According to him, regaining public trust would depend on how the party conducts itself both internally and in opposition.
“To the leadership of the party, I ask that you be firm and crack the whip so that discipline is maintained within our ranks,” he emphasized.
“It is with discipline, humility, lessons learnt and pursuit of the common good for Ghana that we can become the refreshed party we desire.”
Political Context
Dr. Bawumia’s comments come at a critical time for the NPP, which is still reeling from its electoral defeat in 2024.
The party has been engaged in a post-election soul-searching process, marred by blame games, factionalism, and debates over the future direction of the party.
While some have called for generational change and structural reform, others have insisted on loyalty to the party’s traditions and past leadership.
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