Mawlid 2026: Bawumia shares humbling lessons on political power
Accra: Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has described the changing political fortunes of himself and President John Dramani Mahama as evidence that political power is temporary and ultimately determined by the will of Allah.
Dr Bawumia said his journey from vice president to former vice president, alongside President Mahama’s return from former president to president, demonstrated that political authority could be gained and lost according to Allah’s decree.
He made the observation when he addressed Muslims at the National Mawlid celebration in Accra, where he reflected on his political journey and the changing circumstances of Ghana’s political leadership.
Dr Bawumia said he had attended previous National Mawlid celebrations in different capacities: first as a running mate, later as vice president and now as a former vice president and leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“In the same vein, my senior brother, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, who is represented here tonight, has also attended this Mawlid as Vice President, then as President, then as former President, and today, by the grace of Allah, he is back as President,” he said.
He described the contrasting political trajectories as “clear examples of changing circumstances of Allah’s absolute will and power.”
Dr Bawumia emphasised that politicians should not view power and political influence as permanent possessions.
He invoked the Qur’an, Chapter Three, verse 26, to reinforce his point, saying Allah grants sovereignty to whom He wills and takes it away from whom He wills.
“He wills what he wants, and he bestows power to whom he wills. This is applicable to not only us politicians but to all of us in our daily circumstances in life,” he said.
The former vice president said his belief in Qadr, or divine decree, had helped him navigate the contrasting experiences of political life, including success, disappointment and criticism.
“As a politician who has seen both praise and criticism, lies and character assassination, victory and disappointment, I am always inspired by this verse and by the concept of Allah’s Qadr, divine decree,” he said.
He said the experience had reinforced his belief that while people could make plans and pursue their ambitions, the ultimate outcome remained in Allah’s hands.
“We plan, but Allah is the best of planners,” he said.
Dr Bawumia therefore urged Muslims, including those involved in politics, to remain patient, humble and disciplined regardless of their circumstances.
His remarks come against the backdrop of his transition from occupying Ghana’s second-highest political office to becoming the opposition NPP’s flagbearer and leader, while President Mahama has returned to the presidency after previously serving as a former president.
Rather than presenting political power as permanent, Dr Bawumia used the two political journeys to illustrate what he described as the changing circumstances of life and the supremacy of Allah’s will.
He also urged the Muslim Ummah to embrace diversity and peaceful coexistence with members of other faiths, saying Ghana needed unity to maintain its position as a beacon of peace.
Dr Bawumia further called on Muslims, particularly the youth, to emulate the patience, humility and discipline of Prophet Muhammad in their homes, friendships, businesses and public lives.
He said the Prophet’s response to persecution and hardship demonstrated that patience and humility were sources of strength rather than weakness.
He concluded by praying for Allah’s continued guidance and protection for Ghana and wisdom for the country’s leaders to steer the nation for the benefit of all.
Join our whatsapp channel for all the latest updates.
For news coverage, article publication, and advertisement, send an email to ghanaianminaret@gmail.com or reach us via whatsapp, telegram or phone call on +233266666773.
