The National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has addressed the party’s defeat in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, describing it as massive and signaling the need for introspection and rebuilding.
In a Facebook post shared on December 25, 2024—his first since the election—the Youth Organiser acknowledged the pain and disappointment felt by party members, particularly the youth who actively supported the campaign.
“It’s been a little over two weeks since the December 7th elections, in which we lost, massively. I have read so many of your commentaries on various platforms about the elections and their outcomes. I can feel your souls and spirits splitting up. For especially the youth who gave their all for this campaign, I can understand your pain. I’m more pained and saddened that we disappointed you. I feel your anger,” he stated.
Mustapha admitted that the ultimate responsibility for the party’s loss lies with its leadership, despite the significant efforts made during the campaign. He identified voter apathy within the party’s base and the impact of economic issues as key contributors to the defeat.
“We gave it our all, but we didn’t get the desired results we all wanted. It’s okay to rant and vent out your spleen. It’s okay to come for our heads as national executives. The principle of ultimate responsibility makes it imperative that we take your scorn, opprobrium, and even insults. As much as we worked, maybe we could have done more. I understand you and hold no grudges against anyone,” he wrote.
He called for a comprehensive postmortem to analyze the underlying causes of the loss, with the aim of guiding the party through reforms and a stronger comeback.
“The results of the elections communicate loudly about the apathy of our base and the effect of economic issues. So many other reasons are on the table, and it begs for a full-blown and proper postmortem to unravel the causes of the defeat. This will help us rebound stronger and better,” he added.
Echoing the words of the party’s flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Mustapha emphasized the importance of regrouping and mending the party’s internal structures. He pledged his commitment to the rebuilding process and encouraged supporters to propose constructive ideas for critical reforms.
On December 9, 2024, Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa declared John Mahama, the NDC’s presidential candidate, the winner with 6,328,397 votes. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP received 4,657,304 votes. The NDC also achieved a historic parliamentary majority.
Before the elections, Mustapha had expressed unwavering confidence in an NPP victory, even famously stating, “If we lose this election… cut off my head.” Reflecting on the outcome, his current tone underscores the humility and resolve needed to steer the party forward.
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