They say speaking the truth in opposition shortly after electoral defeat is deceptive and cheap propaganda in participatory democracy because the fact is an open secret.
In a surprising turn of events, the 2024 Presidential Candidate on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has come under intensive fire from several quarters for claiming to speak the truth despite suffering a recent electoral defeat.
Critics argue that such assertions and unsubstantiated allegations are deceptive and lack credibility. They are meant to buy internal party supporters in advance, perhaps for the 2028 General Election.
The controversy began when Dr. Bawumia submitted, among other things, “spending $58 million on National Cathedral contributed to our election 2024 defeat,” shortly after conceding defeat in the Presidential election.
Many have questioned the timing and sincerity of these claims, suggesting he may be attempting to salvage his reputation or garner sympathy from disappointed party folks.
Supporters of the NPP argue that their leader has consistently stood by their principles, while NDC and other political groupings have seen the statement as an attempt to deflect accountability.
In advancing his views against Dr. Bawumia’s claims, widely reported in the Media, Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, has criticized the NPP 2024 flagbearer for attributing the party’s defeat in the 2024 elections to external factors rather than accepting personal responsibility.
The debates highlight the complexities of political discourse in Ghana and the challenges of maintaining public trust till the next NPP primaries to elect a new Presidential Candidate.
The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, again, attributed the party’s defeat in the 2024 general elections to arrogance of power, the high cost of living, the failure to reshuffle government officials, the introduction of the E-Levy, and the controversial haircut policy.
The aftermath of the election continues to unfold, with implications for Bawumia’s future and the broader political landscape in a growing democracy like Ghana, and frankly, Franklin Cudjoe of IMANI Africa has better summarized it for us when he said,
“Coming to ‘confess’ after glaring facts that caused so many a livelihood, death isn’t leadership”.
Who leads NPP in opposition for recognition ahead of the internal election before, 2028 General Election, Fmnewsonline.com wants to know?
Written by Edzorna Francis Mensah