If Religion Was Key, I Wouldn’t Contest – Bawumia Rejects Tribal Politics in NPP
Bawumia Warns NPP Against Religious and Tribal Politics Ahead of 2026 Primaries
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has issued a strong caution to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging them to avoid introducing religious and ethnic sentiments into the party’s internal political discourse ahead of the 2026 presidential primaries and the 2028 general elections.
Speaking at the NPP Constituency Chairmen Caucus Conference in the Ashanti Region on Saturday, June 21, Dr. Bawumia described recent efforts to exploit religion and ethnicity for political gain as “very dangerous” and detrimental to the unity and integrity of the NPP.
“It is very important that we don’t allow people to promote false narratives that divide our party,” he emphasized. “We are a united party — one that includes Ghanaians from all ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs. We are part of the elephant family.”
Dr. Bawumia referenced findings from the Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye Constitutional Committee Report, as well as other post-election research, which show that religion and ethnicity did not significantly influence voter behavior during the 2024 general elections.
“My 4.7 million votes — was it only Muslims who voted for me? Certainly not. Ghanaians from all walks of life supported me,” he pointed out.
He firmly rejected any attempt to make faith or tribal affiliation a factor in choosing party leadership, saying such tactics threaten the party’s ability to win future elections. “If faith were the criteria, I wouldn’t have contested at all. I would have stepped aside — not because I can’t win, but because I love this party and I’m not selfish.”
Dr. Bawumia’s comments come at a time of growing internal competition within the NPP, as the party prepares for its January 2026 presidential primaries. Widely seen as a leading contender, Bawumia continues to present himself as a unifying force, committed to building a strong, inclusive NPP that appeals to all Ghanaians.
With his call for unity, Bawumia aims to refocus the party on issues of national development and collective progress, distancing the NPP from divisive identity politics that could jeopardize its future electoral prospects.
