Bawumia vows NPP will ‘triumph over bigots’ amid internal primaries tensions
Bawumia Slams Tribal and Religious Attacks in NPP Flagbearer Race
Elohim Nyame 
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has condemned what he described as “unfortunate” tribal and religious campaigns being waged against him in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer contest.
Speaking in New York on Sunday night at the 33rd Anniversary celebration of NPP USA, Dr Bawumia expressed disappointment at the turn of events, stressing that such attacks reflect the views of “bigots” rather than the true values of the NPP.
His remarks come in the wake of a viral video in which fellow aspirant, Dr Bryan Acheampong, reportedly told delegates that the NPP would lose Kusasi support in the 2028 elections if Dr Bawumia were chosen, because of the Mamprusi–Kusasi conflict. Dr Bawumia described this as “tribal bigotry” and urged party members to reject such divisive tactics.
He also cited comments by other aspirants and their supporters who had attempted to use his religion and family background against him. In particular, he criticised a claim by Mr Asomah-Cheremeh, a coordinator for Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign, that delegates should not support him because his wife, Samira, was “not a true Ghanaian.”
“Really? So how can we campaign to minorities in a general election? Just unbelievable,” Dr Bawumia remarked, questioning why such issues were only now being raised despite his years of service to the party.
The former Vice President recalled his contributions to the NPP in critical moments, including his defence of the party in the 2013 Supreme Court election petition, his campaign work in the north ahead of the 2016 victory, and the role he and his wife played in the 2020 elections. “When Samira was campaigning the length and breadth of Ghana for the party, they did not say she was not a true Ghanaian. So what has changed? Why now?” he asked.
Despite his frustration, Dr Bawumia struck an optimistic tone, insisting that tribal and religious bigotry would fail. He reaffirmed that the NPP has always been a party of diversity and inclusion.
“The NPP will always triumph over tribal and religious bigots,” he declared. “Under our tent, it has not mattered where you come from… It has not mattered what religion you practice… These views do not represent the rank and file of our party.”
His remarks are expected to set the tone for a heated contest in the coming months, as the NPP prepares to elect its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.
