The Vice-President and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December 7 general elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on party’s rank and file to embrace unity, and avoid internal blame as they seek to rebuild the party after the 2024 general elections.

He has, therefore, emphasised the need for collective action to build a formidable force ahead of the 2028 general elections.

The NPP Presidential Candidate garnered 4.65 million votes, falling nearly 1.7 million votes behind the National Democratic Congress’ flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, who secured 6.3 million votes. The party also suffered substantial losses in the parliamentary elections.

Speaking at his residence during a meeting with parliamentary candidates and party sympathizers from the Klottey Korley, Anyaa-Sowutuom and Weija-Gbawe constituencies, Dr. Bawumia urged members to eschew blame, and rather focus on mobilization for the party’s greater good.

Dr. Bawumia attributed the NPP’s recent electoral challenges to voter apathy within its ranks, stating that a significant number of party supporters did not cast their ballots in the elections. He described that development as a wake-up call, and encouraged party members to remain optimistic about the future.

“We cannot afford to let apathy or blame divide us. Instead, we must unite and work together as one family. Our strength lies in our unity, and this is what will propel us forward as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” he said.

The Vice-President also highlighted the importance of maintaining faith in the party’s vision and in divine guidance, urging members not to despair. “As a party, we have overcome numerous challenges in the past, and I am confident that with hard work and faith in God, we can achieve even greater success,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia assured the gathering of the party’s commitment to addressing all concerns, and called on members to actively engage their communities. He stressed that the NPP’s vision for Ghana’s development could only be realized through the collective efforts of its members and supporters. He further reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the party’s structures, and strategising for a strong comeback in the next electoral cycle.

“We handed over this election to the NDC. The analysis shows that their numbers didn’t change; ours decreased by 40 percent. We just didn’t vote,” Dr. Bawumia stated, emphasising the need for collective responsibility rather than finger-pointing.

The Vice-President told party members that the current setback should not derail their focus on the future. “United we stand, divided we fall,” he stated, adding that faith in God’s plan should guide the party’s outlook. “We may not understand whatever we go through, but let’s trust in God. I know we are sad and in pain, but God knows best,” he added.

Dr. Bawumia reiterated that party faithful must stop the blame game, warning that it could be detrimental to the party’s prospects. “Blame can destroy the party. Let us come together, unite, and look towards the future,” he appealed.

He encouraged members to prioritize the collective good over personal ambitions. “At this stage, we are looking forward to building the party again. It is not about individual benefits but the party,” he said.