Your apology will win you the 2028 elections – Bawumia told
A lecturer at the Bolgatanga Technical University, Mr. Abiire Awineyesima, believes that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s public apology for the defeat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections could help him regain the trust of party members and strengthen his chances in both internal party contests and the 2028 elections.
Mr. Awineyesima described the move by the former Vice President as bold, responsible, and strategic, saying it has the potential to unite the party, calm disappointed supporters, and portray Bawumia as a mature and accountable leader who is ready to correct past mistakes and do things differently.
“With what he’s beginning to do, he’s bringing the party together. He’s taking every responsibility, and this is the best way to go. And this opens a door for him. In fact, a massive door,” the lecturer said in an interview on Breakfast Today on Dreamz FM.
A Humble Step to Heal Wounds
Dr. Bawumia, who led the NPP as its flagbearer in the 2024 elections, recently met with NPP members and supporters in London, UK, where he openly apologized for the failings of the Akufo-Addo-led administration, which many analysts say contributed heavily to the party’s electoral defeat.
He admitted that the government made some serious mistakes and assured the party faithful that those mistakes have been noted, and if given another opportunity, the party would do things better.
“We have taken stock of our errors. We admit our shortcomings and promise to do better if Ghanaians give us another chance,” Dr. Bawumia was quoted as saying during the London meeting.
The apology has received mixed reactions from political circles and the general public, with some seeing it as a smart political strategy, while others view it as too little, too late.
However, Mr. Awineyesima sees it as a game-changer, especially within the internal workings of the NPP, where blame and finger-pointing have been growing since the party lost power.
Taking Responsibility — A Mark of Leadership
The Bolgatanga Technical University lecturer praised Bawumia’s decision to own up publicly to the NPP’s failures, saying it sends a strong message that he is not afraid to take responsibility as a leader.
“This is a mark of good leadership,” Awineyesima said. “He’s not shifting blame. He’s showing the party grassroots and Ghanaians that he’s willing to learn and improve. And this may actually make him more appealing both inside and outside the party.”
He emphasized that leadership is not just about taking credit when things go well but also accepting blame when things go wrong—and that is exactly what Dr. Bawumia has done.
According to Mr. Awineyesima, this move will solidify Dr. Bawumia’s dominance in the party and help him re-strategize for 2028, whether it’s to seek re-election as flagbearer or influence the party’s direction moving forward.
Internal Engagement Is Key
Mr. Awineyesima also pointed out that behind closed doors, Bawumia can use opportunities with party delegates and grassroots members to further explain what led to the party’s fall and clarify his personal role during the administration.
“The specific message to party members or grassroots, when he’s engaging them and the media is not part, is when he could now detail the specific issues that led to the defeat,” he explained.
“By doing that, he’s not selling out the party or shifting blame in public. But privately, he can help the party understand what went wrong.”
He gave examples such as the controversial E-levy, the betting tax that angered many youth, and other unpopular decisions which may not have been his own doing, but which he can now acknowledge and use to educate the rank and file of the party.
Mr. Awineyesima said Bawumia could use those private conversations to show that he proposed alternative solutions to the President and Finance Minister that were not accepted, and that he is ready to correct those mistakes going forward.
Rebuilding the Base, Preparing for the Future
The lecturer believes that this moment presents a unique opportunity for Dr. Bawumia to rebuild his relationship with disillusioned party supporters, mobilize new energy, and position himself as a reformed leader who is not afraid to admit past mistakes.
He advised Bawumia to focus more on unity, grassroots empowerment, and listening to the ordinary party faithful, especially in areas where support dwindled during the last election.
“The NPP needs someone who can bring everyone together, who can give hope again, especially to the youth and women who felt neglected. And Dr. Bawumia is showing signs that he wants to be that kind of leader,” Awineyesima said.
A Party Searching for Direction
After its defeat in the 2024 general elections, the NPP has been in a period of deep reflection, with many supporters expressing disappointment in both the party’s leadership and its economic management under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration.
The party is expected to soon begin internal reviews, assessments, and reorganization ahead of the next elections, and observers believe Bawumia’s apology may give him a fresh start within the party if he plays his cards well.
According to Awineyesima, how Bawumia handles this post-defeat season will determine whether he can lead the NPP again into the next election, or whether new faces will emerge to take over the party’s future.
Conclusion: A Door Has Opened
In summary, Mr. Abiire Awineyesima believes that Dr. Bawumia’s public apology is a sign of maturity, strategy, and vision. While the road to political redemption is long and challenging, this humble act may just be the beginning of a comeback for the former Vice President.
“He has opened a massive door for himself. If he walks through it wisely, listens to the people, and learns from the past, he might not only lead the NPP again but also become a stronger contender in 2028,” he concluded.