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Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has explained that his decision to concede early in the 2024 presidential election was made in the supreme interest of Ghana’s democracy, peace, and stability.
Speaking on Monday, January 27, during a discourse on democracy, governance, and political integrity in Nigeria, Dr. Bawumia reflected on the pivotal events that led to his decision, emphasising the importance of maintaining national stability during electoral processes.
Dr. Bawumia recounted that he anticipated the Electoral Commission (EC) would declare the official results within 48 to 72 hours after polls closed.
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However, as tensions rose and the delay threatened to escalate into unrest, he chose to act swiftly.
“I was cognisant of the tension and potential violence that could result if there was a long-drawn-out process of announcing the results. Indeed, the tension had begun to mount,” he said.
To mitigate any risks of political instability or violence, Dr. Bawumia held a press conference the morning after the elections, conceding defeat even before the EC had officially announced the results.
“I therefore took the decision to hold a press conference at 9 a.m. the next morning to concede the election to my opponent even before the EC had announced any collated official results,” he disclosed.
The former vice president explained that his concession was a calculated move to safeguard the democratic process and prevent unnecessary conflict. This decision, he stated, underscored his commitment to the peaceful transfer of power, which is essential for the long-term health of any democracy.
“My action was not just about conceding defeat but about setting an example of political maturity, integrity, and respect for our democratic system,” he remarked.
Dr. Bawumia highlighted that by prioritising the national interest over personal ambitions, leaders can reinforce the principles of democracy and foster trust in governance.
The early concession, he noted, served as a reassurance to Ghanaians that the electoral process would not be undermined by delays or uncertainty. He stressed that strong political integrity is critical to ensuring governance remains transparent, effective, and peaceful.
Dr. Bawumia’s reflections on his decision have drawn praise for demonstrating political maturity and setting a precedent for other African leaders in managing post-election tensions.
By prioritising the nation’s well-being, the former vice president affirmed his belief that peace, stability, and democratic integrity must always take precedence in leadership decisions.
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