-By Issah Olegor
In a pointed political reflection during a town hall engagement in London, 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia revisited the 2012 general elections, accusing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of exploiting national grief for electoral gain—and cautioning Ghanaians to be vigilant as the 2028 campaign unfolds.
Addressing members of the Ghanaian diaspora and party sympathizers, Dr. Bawumia recounted the events surrounding the sudden death of President John Evans Atta Mills in July 2012.
He explained that the NDC, under then Vice President John Mahama—who subsequently became the party’s presidential candidate—turned the campaign into an orchestrated mourning period to neutralize opposition criticism and garner public sympathy.
“After the unfortunate passing of President Mills, the NDC essentially weaponized national grief. They played funeral songs, showed angelic imagery on TV, and made it difficult for the NPP to run a robust campaign without being accused of insensitivity,” Bawumia said.
He described the political climate at the time as emotionally charged and strategically manipulated, claiming that any criticism of the Mahama-led campaign was portrayed as an attack on a nation in mourning.
“We had prepared to campaign against President Mills, but then everything changed. They mourned their way to victory,” he said, to the audible reaction of his audience.
A Warning for 2028
Dr Bawumia’s reference to the 2012 campaign was more than a retrospective—it was a veiled warning.
He suggested that similar emotional and symbolic tactics could be deployed again by the NDC in 2028, especially given their penchant for dramatizing national sentiment.
“We need to be alert. We’ve seen this playbook before, and Ghanaians should not be swayed by theatrics. Elections should be won on vision, track record, and policies—not on manipulated emotions,” he stressed.
His comments come amid intensifying political rivalry as both major parties—NPP and NDC—gear up for what many predict will be one of Ghana’s most fiercely contested elections in recent history.
Political Realism and Campaign Strategy
In the same address, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the uphill battle ahead, noting Ghana’s electoral history shows that first-time presidential candidates—like himself—rarely win on their first attempt.
He cited the experiences of Presidents John Kufuor and John Atta Mills, who both lost their initial bids before eventually winning the presidency.
“It’s not easy for a first-time candidate. Ghanaians like you to prove yourself over time. But I remain very optimistic about our chances—not just for 2028, but beyond,” he added.
Balancing Accountability with Optimism
While issuing a warning about NDC’s potential campaign tactics, Dr. Bawumia also took a moment to acknowledge the NPP’s own governance challenges.
He offered a sincere apology to Ghanaians for the administration’s missteps, stating that the party had learned valuable lessons and was ready to do better.
The Road to December
Dr. Bawumia’s remarks serve as both a strategic reset and a direct jab at the ruling party, as he seeks to galvanize support across voter blocs both at home and abroad.
By invoking the past, he aims to shape the narrative of the future—positioning himself as a leader who not only learns from history but is prepared to challenge what he calls “emotional manipulation” in politics.
With the 2028 elections several months away, both parties are refining their messages. But in Dr Bawumia’s view, the electorate must look beyond symbolism and sentiment.
“Let’s vote based on who has the vision and courage to lead Ghana forward—not who can pull the most heartstrings.”
