Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has cautioned members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against resorting to religious and tribal sentiments as the party gears up for its 2026 presidential primaries and the 2028 general elections.

Addressing the NPP Constituency Chairmen Caucus Conference in the Ashanti Region on Saturday, June 21, Dr Bawumia described recent attempts to inject religious and ethnic bias into the party’s internal politics as “very dangerous” and a threat to the unity and strength of the NPP.

“It is very, very important that we don't allow people to come in with explanations that are not factual, that are made up, and that divide our party,” he said.

“We are a united party, encompassing people from all ethnic groups, all religions... We are part of the elephant family.”

Dr Bawumia noted that findings from the Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye Constitutional Committee Report and other research show clearly that religion and ethnicity did not influence the outcome of the 2024 elections.

“My 4.7 million votes, was it only Muslims who voted for me? It’s not possible. They were all different voters,” he stressed.

He rejected the notion that a candidate's faith should determine their electability and expressed disappointment in those attempting to use religion or tribalism to gain political advantage within the party.

"If that was the case, I wouldn't have contested at all. I would have stepped aside because I'm not a selfish person. I value the party.... I will not jeopardise the ability of the party to win the 2028 election. It's too important. I would have stepped aside," he said.

The remarks come amid increasing speculation and internal jostling within the NPP ahead of the January 2026 presidential primaries.

Dr Bawumia is widely considered a frontrunner in the race and has consistently positioned himself as a candidate who prioritises party unity and national cohesion over personal ambition.