Bawumia Dismisses Claims His Religion Led to NPP’s Electoral Defeat

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 presidential candidate, has firmly dismissed claims suggesting that his religion played a role in the party’s defeat in the recent general elections. Speaking at the NPP’s national headquarters in Accra ahead of a planned ‘Thank You Tour’, Dr. Bawumia described the speculation surrounding his Muslim identity as a contributing factor to the loss as baseless and unsubstantiated.

According to Dr. Bawumia, such narratives are misleading and overlook the complex and multifaceted nature of electoral outcomes. “After the elections, many people tried to offer their own reasons for our loss. Some went as far as saying the party didn’t win because I’m a Muslim. That assertion doesn’t hold water,” he stated. He urged Ghanaians and political observers to focus on data and empirical evidence rather than conjecture and divisive rhetoric.

Dr. Bawumia expressed disappointment over what he called attempts to inject religious bias into the political discourse. He emphasized that Ghana’s political maturity and history have shown that religious identity has never been a deciding factor in electing leaders. “This is not the Ghana I know. We are a country of tolerance and mutual respect. Let’s not fall into the trap of propaganda,” he noted.

As part of efforts to regroup and move forward, the NPP is embarking on a nationwide ‘Thank You Tour’ under the theme, “In All Things Give Thanks To The Lord” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The tour is expected to begin in the Western Region and aims to express gratitude to supporters, reflect on the 2024 electoral outcome, and strengthen party unity in preparation for the next election cycle.

In a break from tradition, Dr. Bawumia will be accompanied by former contestants from the NPP’s flagbearer race and party executives during the tour. He explained that this inclusive approach is a deliberate move to foster solidarity within the party. “We’re doing it differently this time because unity is essential. That’s why I’ve invited all the aspirants who contested me in the primaries to join this tour. Together, we want to present a united front,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia also expressed his appreciation to a committee led by Professor Mike Oquaye that was tasked with reviewing the party’s 2024 performance and recommending a path forward. He praised their efforts in identifying key areas for reform and improvement.

In his remarks, the former Vice President extended heartfelt gratitude to President Nana Akufo-Addo, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, his running mate Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as well as all party leaders, members, and grassroots supporters who stood by him during the campaign. He acknowledged the challenges but stressed the importance of giving thanks, even in difficult times. “We may not always understand why things happen the way they do, but we trust that everything is for a purpose,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia called on all NPP members to come together with renewed energy and focus on winning the 2028 elections. He reiterated that the only path to victory is through unity, dedication, and continued service to the Ghanaian people.

The ‘Thank You Tour’ is expected to rekindle momentum within the party, foster dialogue, and serve as a platform for reconnecting with the party’s base across all regions of the country.