Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has cautioned members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against the use of religious and tribal sentiments as the party prepares for its 2026 presidential primaries and the 2028 general elections.
Addressing the NPP Constituency Chairmen Caucus Conference in the Ashanti Region on Saturday, June 21, Dr. Bawumia urged party members to stay focused on unity and facts rather than narratives that could harm the party’s image and cohesion.
“It is very, very important that we don’t allow people to come in with explanations that are not factual, that are made up, and that divide our party,” he said. “We are a united party, encompassing people from all ethnic groups, all religions… We are part of the elephant family.”
Responding to suggestions that his political rise has been influenced primarily by his religious background, Dr. Bawumia dismissed the claims as misleading. He pointed to his performance in the 2024 elections as evidence of broad support.
“My 4.7 million votes, was it only Muslims who voted for me? It’s not possible. They were all different voters,” he stated.
He further emphasized his commitment to the party over personal ambition, stating that if he believed his candidacy would jeopardize the party’s chances in the next general election, he would not hesitate to step aside.
“If that was the case, I wouldn’t have contested at all. I would have stepped aside because I’m not a selfish person. I value the party…. I will not jeopardise the ability of the party to win the 2028 election. It’s too important. I would have stepped aside,” he added.
