Bawumia Reveals His Team’s Stance Against Conceding Early in the Elections
Publisher December 27, 2024 0
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), recently revealed that his campaign team strongly opposed his decision to concede defeat in the 7 December 2024 election. Despite the objections from his team, Bawumia chose to publicly acknowledge the results of the election early, a move he believed was necessary to ensure peace and stability in Ghana.
His decision to concede came on December 8, just hours after the vote counting had commenced. This was even before the Electoral Commission (EC) had made its official declaration of the results. The following day, on December 9, the EC announced John Dramani Mahama as the winner of the election, with Mahama securing 6,328,397 votes, which amounted to 56.55% of the valid votes cast.
In a speech delivered to party supporters at his residence on December 26, Dr. Bawumia took the opportunity to explain the reasoning behind his early concession. He emphasized that his primary motivation was to ensure the preservation of Ghana’s democratic values and to safeguard the nation’s peace. Bawumia made it clear that his decision was not driven by any personal or political interests, but by his deep commitment to the country’s stability.
“The stability of Ghana must always come first,” Bawumia declared, underlining that peace and the proper functioning of the country’s democracy were his foremost concerns. He also extended his gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging their loyalty and dedication throughout the campaign. He encouraged them to remain resolute in their belief in the NPP’s ideals and to continue their efforts to help build a stronger and more united Ghana.
Dr. Bawumia revealed that many members of his campaign team had cautioned him against conceding so early. They were uncertain about the accuracy of the data they had and wanted to wait for the official announcement from the EC. However, Bawumia made it clear that, despite his team’s reservations, he felt the data from his internal systems was reliable, and delaying his concession would only contribute to greater tension in the country.
He explained, “If you wait, you build up more tension, and violence could come because people would think we are trying to rig the election.” His concern was that any delay in conceding could create an atmosphere of mistrust, and in the worst-case scenario, lead to violence among the public. Bawumia acknowledged that conceding before the EC’s official declaration was unprecedented, but he believed it was crucial for the sake of national unity and peace.
Bawumia’s decision to concede early was seen as an act of leadership, prioritizing the well-being of the nation over political strategy. He emphasized that the situation was unique and that, while traditionally candidates wait for the EC’s official results, he felt the moment called for a different approach. “Nobody has ever conceded an election without the EC coming out to pronounce, and I said there is a first time for everything,” he noted, reinforcing his belief that in certain circumstances, bold actions are required to ensure the right outcome for the country.
By conceding early, Bawumia not only avoided inflaming tensions but also sent a clear message about the importance of peaceful transitions in Ghana’s democracy. His decision was lauded by many as an example of integrity and responsibility, showing that sometimes, doing what is best for the country requires putting aside personal or party ambitions.
As Ghana continues its democratic journey, Bawumia’s early concession in the 2024 election stands as a powerful reminder of the role that leaders must play in preserving peace, stability, and trust in the democratic process.