'They mourned their way to victory' - Bawumia calls 2012 NDC win an aberration, eyes 2028 comeback

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia called the NDC's 2012 election win an “aberration.” He argued that the party benefited from national grief after President John Atta Mills' death.

During his Thank You Tour in London, he spoke to the Young Executive Forum (YEF). He noted that the election took place during a time of mourning.

“John Mahama’s win was an aberration,” he stated.

He explained that their campaign focused on Mills, not Mahama. After Mills passed away, Mahama became the candidate.

Dr. Bawumia remarked that the NDC played funeral songs throughout their campaign. “How could you attack them? You would seem insensitive,” he said.

Despite challenging the 2012 results in court, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged Mahama's victory as unusual in Ghanaian politics.

“He won at his first attempt but lost in 2016,” he added.

He pointed out that voters often reject first-time presidential candidates in Ghana. “Ghanaians want you to run more than once,” he explained.

He provided examples from both major parties: Kufuor ran in ’96 and won in 2000; Mills contested twice before winning in 2008; Akufo-Addo also ran three times before his victory.

Reflecting on the NPP’s past defeat, Dr. Bawumia admitted mistakes were made.

“There’s no doubt we didn’t get everything right,” he said.

He apologized to party members abroad for these shortcomings: “I apologize for us not getting things right.”

Despite this, Dr. Bawumia expressed optimism about the party's future and a potential comeback in 2028.

“I am very optimistic about 2028,” he stated confidently.

He believes experience from past defeats will help the NPP improve next time.

“If we have another opportunity, I believe we will do better,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia thinks the NDC will face challenges with a new candidate in 2028.

“They’ve run out of choices now with Mahama,” he noted.

He feels this gives the NPP an advantage going into future elections.

“I believe we will have a very big advantage,” he concluded.