Bawumia Cites Voter Apathy as Key Factor in NPP Election Loss

Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s 2024 presidential candidate, has attributed the party’s electoral defeat to a significant drop in voter turnout among its supporters rather than the opposition’s strength or religious bias.

Speaking at the launch of the NPP’s “Thank You Tour” in Accra, the former vice president addressed the party’s post-election analysis for the first time since the polls.

Bawumia explained that the delayed tour was intentional, allowing the Okwui Committee to complete its review of the election outcome. With the findings now submitted, he expressed gratitude to party members, leadership, and his political mentors, including former Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo and John Kufuor, while outlining the path forward.

The most striking revelation was the sharp decline in NPP votes. While former President John Mahama gained roughly 115,000 more votes compared to 2020, the NPP lost approximately 2.1 million votes from its previous tally. “The defeat was internal,” Bawumia said. “Our supporters did not come out to vote, and that made the difference.”

He also dismissed claims that his Muslim faith influenced the election results, pointing to his strong performance in the NPP primaries and his ability to outperform Christian parliamentary candidates in several constituencies. “If religion were a factor, I would not have won the primaries or secured more votes than many Christian candidates,” he argued. “This narrative is unfounded.”

The NPP now faces a critical rebuilding phase, with Bawumia emphasizing unity and data-driven strategies. The party’s ability to re-engage its base and address internal challenges will determine its future success.

Ghana’s political history shows that parties often rebound from electoral setbacks by reconnecting with voters and refining their strategies. The NPP’s next steps, guided by the Okwui Committee’s findings, will be crucial in shaping its trajectory ahead of future elections. The “Thank You Tour” marks the beginning of this effort, signaling a period of reflection and renewal for the party.