Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has refuted allegations suggesting that he is not qualified to participate in the upcoming presidential primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in his pursuit to lead the party in the 2024 general elections.

Countering the 'aduru meso' narrative, Dr Bawumia drew a comparison between his political trajectory and influence within the NPP to the experiences of the biblical figure Paul. He expressed a strong determination to disrupt the established pattern of eight years of governance under the Fourth Republic.

He told delegates on his campaign tour: “sometimes great individuals emerge at pivotal moments in history, just like the Apostle Paul emerged to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ," proclaiming that “in the same way, my coming could be seen as a turning point for our nation”.

During his campaign tour in the Eastern Region, specifically in Aburi, Dr Bawumia made these remarks while engaging with party delegates. He encouraged them to support his candidacy for the party's flagbearer position, emphasizing his intention to guide the party to victory in the 2024 general elections.

Addressing a gathering at the Aburi Presbyterian Women’s Training College, Dr Bawumia explained that “I stand before you today as a testament to the transformative power of politics. My journey has been like that of Paul, who went from being a persecutor to an apostle. Similarly, I have grown and evolved within the NPP, and I believe I am the ideal and surest candidate to ‘break the eight-year cycle’’.

Dr Bawumia stressed that he had succeeded in transforming the Vice Presidency from one of docility to activism, symbolic representation to policy implementation, and from mysticism to realism.

He said he believes he can effectively lead the NPP and bring about positive change for the nation, adding that “I have dedicated my life to public service, and I am determined to bring progress and prosperity to the people of Ghana. Together, we can build a nation that thrives on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development’’.

Outlining some of his achievements, he noted that he had played a pivotal role in formulating and implementing programmes such as Zongo Development Fund, One District One Factory, Planting for Food and Jobs, Free Senior High School, Gold for Oil programme, among others.

He also accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of engaging in religious and tribal politics.

Dr. Bawumia asserted that the NDC is only resorting to divisive tactics by exploiting religious and tribal sentiments for political gain.

However, he urged the delegates to be mindful of such tendencies since the NDC has no message of hope for them, adding that the party was using these strategies to appeal to specific voter base and consolidate power, rather than focusing on the needs and aspirations of the Ghanaian people.

Dr Bawumia further argued that the NDC’s approach is detrimental to the unity and progress of Ghana as a nation, and stressed the importance of politics based on issues, policies, and the overall welfare of the population, rather than identity-based divisions.