Politics

‘Keep the guns on our opponents, not me’ – Bawumia to NPP aspirants

The 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on his fellow aspirants in the party’s flagbearer race to ‘Keep the guns on our opponents” and not him. This call is for all NPP flagbearer hopefuls to focus their energy on holding the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government accountable rather than attacking one another.

Speaking after filing his nomination to contest the NPP’s flagbearership slot, Dr. Bawumia stressed that unity is critical if the party hopes to return to power in the 2028 general elections.

“What the NPP and Ghana need is a strong party that can hold the government accountable for its promises. I have always done that, and I will continue to do so as flagbearer,” he said, highlighting his record of challenging the NDC on policy issues.

He cautioned his contenders against trading internal attacks, insisting that such conduct only weakens the party’s chances.

“For the various candidates contesting for flagbearership, I ask: wouldn’t Ghana and the NPP be better off if, instead of focusing your guns on me, you focused on holding the Government accountable, showing that you can lead the NPP in doing so? Wouldn’t Ghana and the NPP be better off if, instead of attacking each other, you focused on presenting a vision for the Party and the Country?” he quizzed.

Dr. Bawumia reminded party faithful that the NPP’s real opponent is external, not internal, urging members to rally behind a common purpose.

“Our true opponent is not within. Our true opponent is out there! We need unity to win. I promise you that, just as you have known me, I would not do anything to bring division or conflict within the party. If there were anyone to create problems in the NPP, it would not be me,” he assured.

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Meanwhile, tension continues to mount among the rival camps of leading aspirants, including Kennedy Agyapong, Bryan Acheampong, and Kwabena Agyapong. Political analyst Musa Dankwa has observed that deepening rivalry and mudslinging among the camps could fracture the party if not managed, warning that a divided NPP would struggle to mount a strong challenge against the NDC in 2028.