In a stark warning to his party faithful, Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, has sounded the alarm that the upcoming 2024 elections will be the most challenging for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking at a campaign rally, Mahama Ayariga cautioned that complacency could prove costly, emphasizing that the party cannot take victory for granted.
Ayariga’s concerns stem from the notion that some NDC members believe the party will win the general elections effortlessly, given the eight-year term limit of the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) led by President Akufo-Addo.
However, the Bawku Central MP stressed that the opposition party must not underestimate the challenge ahead.
“This election is going to be one of the most difficult elections for us (NDC), so nobody should take things for granted. This is going to be the biggest fight for our lives,” Ayariga declared.
He drew parallels with the previous election, where the NDC faced off against President Akufo-Addo, who is not from the Northern Sector.
“Look at the margin we beat him in the north,” Ayariga noted.
However, this time around, the NDC will face the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a candidate from the Northern Sector and a popular figure to the region.
He underscored the need for increased effort, stating, “The fight that we put up in the last elections… In this election, double the fight that we put up in the 2020 general elections, so nobody should take things for granted.”
As the 2024 general elections approach, the campaign strategies of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are under scrutiny.
Critics argue that former President John Mahama’s NDC campaign focuses on insults and attacks on clergy, imams, and chiefs, rather than outlining party policies.
In contrast, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s NPP campaign emphasizes policy and issue-based campaigning, his campaign is gaining momentum on daily basis.
Mahama and Bawumia’s Achievements
In the Northern Region, Mahama’s NDC has traditionally held a strong foothold.
In the 2020 elections, the NDC won 63.29% of the vote in the Savannah Region, former President John Mahama’s home region.
However, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s NPP has made significant inroads, polling 41.34% in the Northern Region.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s achievements in the Northern Sector include: Upgrading roads and healthcare facilities, supporting small-scale businesses and farmers, and Improving access to quality education.
-BY Daniel Bampoe