Bawumia Reveals Reason for His Early Concession of 2024 Election

Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed the reason behind his decision to quickly concede the 2024 election to his rival, then-National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama.

Bawumia, speaking during the Oti Regional leg of his Thank-you tour, said his decision was rooted in dissipating tension in the country.

Following the December 7 Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 2024, NPP officials led by campaign spokesperson Miracles Aboagye held a press conference to announce they were still in the race despite clear evidence to the contrary that Mahama had built a clear and unassailable lead.

The situation mirrored a similar situation in 2016 when the NDC declared they were in a ‘comfortable lead’ while ostensibly losing, leading to several days of tension before the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, declared the results.

In a surprising turn of events, NPP flagbearer Dr Bawumia bucked his party and conceded losing the elections before the EC Chairperson declared the results.

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Speaking on Friday, May 9, Bawumia explained the reasoning behind his action.

“I chose to concede early. It was a difficult decision, but my foremost concern was to save Ghana from unnecessary tension,” he said. “By accepting the outcome swiftly, we upheld the rule of law and prevented further polarisation.”

In the aftermath of the move, the then Vice President was heavily praised, with many describing him as a statesman and a man of peace. Many elements in the NPP were reportedly unhappy with his move, but the Veep remained firm.

NPP Thank-you tour

Following the NPP’s election loss, Dr Bawumia organised a Thank-you tour to show appreciation to supporters across the country for their backing in the previous election.

Bawumia called for other NPP flagbearer candidates to join him on the tour, seeking to display unity within the party as they look forward to the 2028 elections.

The unity was short-lived as bombastic former MP and Bawumia’s likely 2028 rival, Kennedy Agyapong, eventually withdrew from the tour and launched his 2028 campaign.