Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has issued a strong warning to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging them to reject the growing trend of injecting ethnic and tribalism into the party’s internal politics as it prepares for the 2026 presidential primaries and the 2028 general elections.
Addressing the NPP Constituency Chairmen Caucus Conference in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Bawumia described recent attempts to exploit religious and ethnic sentiments for political gain as “very dangerous” and a direct threat to the cohesion and long-term strength of the party.
“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 told the gathering of party executives.
One elephant family
Dr. Bawumia emphasised the NPP’s founding values as a broad-based, inclusive political movement that reflects Ghana’s diverse social fabric.
“We are a united party, encompassing people from all ethnic groups, all religions… We are part of the elephant family,” he said, invoking the party’s symbol to underline the importance of solidarity.
He pointed to research, including findings from the Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye Constitutional Committee Report, to dispel any notions that religion or ethnicity played a decisive role in the 2024 general elections.
“My 4.7 million votes—was it only Muslims who voted for me? It’s not possible. They were all different voters,” he asserted, as applause broke out in the room.
Stepping aside
Dr. Bawumia, who is widely viewed as the leading contender for the NPP’s 2026 flagbearer slot, expressed disappointment in some voices within the party who have attempted to question his electability based on religious or tribal identity.
He categorically rejected such politics, calling it “self-serving” and contrary to the ideals of the NPP.
“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,” he declared, his voice resolute.
His comments appeared to be a direct rebuke of whisper campaigns and factional tactics that have quietly emerged as aspirants and their supporters jockey for influence ahead of the January 2026 primaries.
Setting the tone for the primaries
Dr. Bawumia’s intervention is seen as an attempt to set a unifying tone for the party’s primary season, which is expected to be fiercely contested.
Insiders say his focus on inclusiveness and evidence-based politics could resonate with a base increasingly wary of internal divisions.
Though he did not mention any rival by name, the subtext of his remarks left no doubt that he views the deployment of identity politics as both morally bankrupt and strategically foolish.
As the NPP charts its path toward 2028, Bawumia has consistently framed himself as a candidate guided by unity, discipline, and national interest.
“Our strength lies in our diversity,” he reiterated on Saturday. “Let us reject any voice—no matter how loud—that seeks to divide us on lines of tribe or faith.”
The former Vice-President’s remarks are likely to set the tone for how issues of identity are handled within the NPP in the critical months ahead.
