Speaking at the NPP New York 33rd Anniversary celebration on Sunday, August 24, Dr Bawumia stressed that the future of the party and Ghana required leadership defined by integrity and competence, not tribal or religious propaganda.

“If you want to contest me, come with a vision, come with your ideas, come with your track record, come with your integrity and let us decide,” he told the gathering.

He dismissed attempts to discredit him based on his northern roots or Islamic faith, describing such propaganda as false, dangerous, and unworthy of the NPP’s democratic tradition.

Dr Bawumia reminded critics that he had served the party faithfully through critical moments, including defending the NPP in court during the 2013 election petition, campaigning tirelessly for its victories in 2016 and 2020, and spearheading major national reforms such as digitalisation.

He questioned why, after years of loyal service, his identity was suddenly being used against him.

The former Vice President emphasised that the NPP had historically thrived on inclusivity, uniting diverse traditions and communities under one tent. He said the party’s past victories were built not on sectionalism but on a shared vision for Ghana’s progress.

Dr Bawumia urged the party to focus its internal contest on leadership qualities such as humility, incorruptibility, steadiness, and competence.

He warned that succumbing to tribal or religious bigotry would endanger the very survival of the party.

“The NPP has always been the party that embraces all Ghanaians, regardless of where they come from or what religion they practise. That is our heritage and our strength. If we stay true to this and focus on ideas, we will be well positioned to win the 2028 elections,” he said.

Source: Ernest K. Arhinful

Addressing the NPP New York 33rd Anniversary celebration on Sunday, August 24, the former Vice President and 2024 flagbearer assured party faithful that victory is within reach if divisions are overcome.

“I have absolute confidence that if we work hard and stay united, we will win 2028. But we need to put our house in order and position the party as the best credible alternative,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia acknowledged that the 2024 election results showed the NPP lost over 2 million votes compared to 2020, largely due to apathy in its strongholds in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, Central, and Western Regions. He stressed that stronger turnout in these areas could have kept the party in power.

Outlining the qualities needed in the next NPP leader, he pointed to vision, humility, incorruptibility, steadiness, emotional intelligence, experience, and the ability to unite the party. Above all, he cautioned that leaders must be measured in their utterances to avoid giving the NDC political ammunition.

“If we are fractured, none of us can cross over to lead this party to fulfil its purpose. Unity is the only way forward. With unity and consistency, we can regain the trust of Ghanaians and reclaim power in 2028,” Dr. Bawumia declared to resounding applause.

Source: Ernest K. Arhinful

Addressing the NPP New York 33rd Anniversary on Sunday, August 24, he stressed that internal divisions and tribal propaganda risk weakening the party’s foundations at a critical moment in its history.

“We need unity to go forward and win 2028. Without unity we cannot win,” he declared.

Dr. Bawumia warned that repeating the mistakes of 1979, when internal fractures cost the party dearly, would be catastrophic.

Instead, he urged members to focus on rebuilding trust with Ghanaians by presenting the NPP as a credible and inclusive alternative.

He argued that the party must rise above petty rivalries and centre its leadership race on competence, integrity, and vision. According to him, the next leader must embody humility, incorruptibility, steadiness, and the ability to inspire hope across all segments of society.

“If we are fractured and at each other’s throats, none of us can lead this party to fulfil its purpose,” he cautioned.

The former Vice President also pointed to data from the 2024 elections, which showed that the NPP’s biggest setbacks came not from tribal or religious bias, but from voter apathy in its traditional strongholds.

He noted that if the party had mobilised its base effectively, it would have retained power.

Concluding his address, Dr. Bawumia reaffirmed his belief that the NPP can reclaim power in 2028, provided it embraces unity and discipline.

“The NPP will always triumph over tribal and religious bigots. With unity and consistency, we can regain the trust of Ghanaians and return to government,” he assured party members.

Source: Ernest K. Arhinful