‘There are no slaves, no royals in this NPP’ – Bawumia

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to reject tribal and religious divisions.

He stressed that the party’s strength has always been rooted in unity and equal participation.

Addressing supporters in Wa during his campaign tour of the Upper West Region, Dr Bawumia condemned what he described as growing attempts by some within the party to label groups as “slaves” or “royals,” warning that such rhetoric threatens the party’s image and cohesion.

“There are no slaves, and there are no royals in this party. We are all together as one. Nobody is higher than anybody else. We are all equal,” he said, urging party members to treat one another with dignity regardless of background. He further cautioned that divisive tribal narratives harm the party more than any individual. “Those making tribal and bigoted statements are not ruining me; they are harming the image of the party,” Dr Bawumia added.

The former Vice President emphasized that unity is essential for achieving the NPP’s broader objectives. “We don’t need tribalism in our party. Let us all come together on an equal basis and serve the party equally. Nobody has special entitlement simply because they come from one part of the country,” he stated.

Dr Bawumia also reaffirmed his commitment to respectful political engagement, explaining that his approach is designed to maintain unity after internal contests. “When I campaign, I do not insult anyone. I speak with respect and deference because after elections, we must come together to work for the party,” he said.

In a separate address, Dr Bawumia reminded members of the NPP’s longstanding tradition of valuing competence and electability over tribal or religious considerations. Citing historical examples, he noted, “When you look at our party, we have never voted on tribal lines. We vote on competence, capacity, and who can win power for us. Support from the north does not make this tribal. There are 15 other regions backing me, so it is clearly not about tribalism.”

He referenced past leadership decisions, highlighting that northern constituencies have consistently supported leaders from other regions, including former Presidents John Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, as evidence of the party’s cross-regional solidarity.

Dr Bawumia concluded with a firm warning against divisive rhetoric, stressing that the NPP must continue to prioritize respect, equality, and collective progress. “This party does not vote on tribalism. We vote on competence and who can help us win power. All those making tribal or bigoted statements should desist, as they are harming the party’s image, not mine,” he said.