Bawumia Conceding Before EC’s Declaration not Historic: NDC was Superior in Strategy

After losing the 2024 elections decisively, the NPP flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat before the Electoral Commission (EC) could pronounce the actual winner of the elections, certainly, John Dramani Mahama. In a meeting with NPP supporters at his residence on December 26, 2024, he said; “But nobody has ever conceded an election without the EC coming out to pronounce, and I said there is a first time for everything.”

Though conceding defeat earlier than thought is commendable, Dr. Bawumia must desist from painting the minds of Ghanaians to accept the lies that his action is historic. The use of the word ‘lies’ is accepted to be offensive in Ghana and we are always advised to use alternatives. I will also try to rub with some oil and perfumes.

It is certainly not true that Dr. Bawumia is the first to accept defeat before the actual winner is declared by the EC. In 2016, President Mahama conceded before the commission’s declaration. On 9th December, 2016 at exactly 8:22 PM, then President-Elect, Nana Addo announced on X that; A few minutes ago, I received a call from President @JDMahama congratulating me on winning the 2016 Presidential Election. #ChangeHasCome.

Twenty four minutes after Nana Addo’s X post, the EC organised a press conference to declare the winner of the 2016 presidential race at exactly 8:46 PM. JoyNews YouTube page available for reference.

Those who believe Dr. Bawumia can be deceived to attempt feeding a wild lion as the above proves he is insincere.

It not only John Dramani Mahama who set this precedent. It is believed that Prof. John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills holds this record. He conceded defeat in the 2000 run-off presidential elections before EC’s declaration. The BBC on December 30, 2024 reported that; “Ghana's Vice-President, John Atta Mills, has conceded to his opposition rival, John Kufuor, in the country's presidential election. Mr Mills, of the governing National Democratic Congress, telephoned Mr Kufuor to congratulate him on his victory.”

The report continued; “With more than 90% of the votes now counted, Mr Kufuor has established an unassailable lead with 57.42% of the vote in Thursday's run-off vote, while Mr Mills is trailing on 42.58%.” link attached: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1090117.stm.

It is very tacid that Dr. Bawumia and the NPP are on a journey to throw dust on the eyes of Ghanaians. The truth is the NDC is both physically and intellectually superior to NPP in terms of preparation and readiness for the elections. So Dr. Bawumia was forced to wail in the market because he has no other choice, the disgrace was massive and historic.

The NPP was of the belief that they could rig the elections with the support of the EC, security agencies, courts and other supporting state institutions. The smartness of the NDC was not a match for the NPP and so Bawumia has to listen to his own heart and the heart of others to accept that he lost. After all, he know the missiles of 41.61 percent cannot withstand the powerful missiles of a historic 56.55 percent.

It must be stated that Dr. Bawumia conceding defeat before EC’s declaration is not historic and that two others as named above have done it before. Let no one be decieved!