By: Deborah Amewoyi
Former Vice President and flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has served an apology to party faithfuls and the entire members of the party over the 2024 general elections defeat.
During an address in London, Dr. Bawumia characterized the party’s abysmal defeat at the polls to some mistakes the leadership of the party committed in power. He mentioned that despite the fact that the NPP did some work, they had quite a few things wrong that resulted in their defeat and loss of significant number of seats in parliament.
“We got quite a few things wrong, and I think that, on my own behalf, on behalf of the party and the government, I apologise to all of you for us not getting the things right that we should have gotten.” he pleaded.
In addition, he requested for the opportunity in order to right the wrongs the party committed that led to their defeat. “I believe that if by the grace of God, we have another opportunity I believe that we will get many things right, because we have learnt the lessons of where we are going.” he assured.
The Bawumia led NPP saw a massive defeat at the December 7 general elections last year leading to significant loss of seats in parliament. As it stands now, the majority in parliament (NDC) have a total of 183 representation in parliament whilst the minority (NPP ) have 88 representation in parliament.
After the plea, Dr. Bawumia expressed his optimism on the party returning to power in the next general elections. The former vice president cited instances from previous presidential candidates who never gained political power as “first timer” presidential candidates.
“If you look at our political history, our political history suggests that it is usually very difficult for a first-time presidential candidate to win an election in Ghana. I don’t know why that is, but Ghanaians want you to come more than once. That seems to be what is prevailing.” he said.
Based on Dr. Bawumia’s premise, chances that he and the NPP will be victorious in the next election is high. The former vice president analysed that since the NDC will be unveiling a new candidate and Ghanaians do not vote for first time presidential candidates, he and his party will be victorious come 2028.
“I believe we will have an advantage, all things being equal, over that new candidate coming in 2028. I believe we will have a very big advantage.” he said.
