Private legal practitioner and member of the 'Operation Recover All Loot', Martin Kpebu has stated that corruption played a significant role in former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia's defeat in the 2024 election.

He believes that Bawumia's close association with the Akufo-Addo administration, which many voters linked to corruption, undermined his credibility and contributed to his loss.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr Kpebu explained that the public’s frustration with the government’s inability to address corruption effectively was pivotal in shaping the election result.

“Corruption was a masterstroke because people were getting despondent,” he said, adding that as the election drew near, voters could no longer ignore the issue and being a part of the Akufo-Addo administration, Bawumia couldn’t escape the public's growing disillusionment.

Mr Kpebu also criticised Bawumia's lack of credibility, noting, “Former Vice President Bawumia didn’t look credible given his credentials. His ties to the Akufo-Addo government made it difficult for him to position himself as a leader of change.”

In contrast, Mr Kpebu pointed to President John Mahama's more proactive approach to tackling corruption.

He recalled that Mahama would quickly mobilise relevant parties to investigate allegations, organise complaints, and prepare reports for the Attorney General to act on.

Under the Akufo-Addo administration, however, Mr Kpebu noted that such action was absent. “We never saw those efforts under Akufo-Addo’s regime. Despite numerous complaints, nothing was done to effectively address corruption,” he said.

This lack of decisive action led to growing frustration among voters, who ultimately rejected Bawumia and his party. Mr Kpebu concluded, the people were no longer willing to accept inaction on corruption, and this played a key role in Bawumia’s defeat.