The Director of Legal Affairs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Eduzi Tamekloe, has criticised former Vice President and defeated 2024 NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, over comments linking the death of former Akwatia MP, Hon. Ernest Kumi, to an election petition filed by Lawyer Bernard Bediako Baidoo.

In a video that has since circulated online, Dr. Bawumia reportedly suggested that the petition process contributed to the late MP’s untimely demise.

Mr Tamekloe described the remarks as “a new low,” accusing Dr. Bawumia of politicising the grief of the Kumi family.

“The 1992 Constitution provides election petitions as a legal avenue to resolve disputes and reduce resorting to self-help.

It is curious that Dr. Bawumia chose to play politics with the pain of Hon. Ernest Kumi and his family,” Tamekloe said.

He further recalled that Dr. Bawumia himself, along with then-President Nana Akufo-Addo and the late Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, petitioned the Supreme Court for eight months after the 2012 elections, challenging the victory of President John Dramani Mahama.

“President Mahama must be very strong to still be standing today,” Tamekloe noted, adding that Bawumia’s style of politics “often crosses the line of decency.”

The NDC legal director also referenced his own defence of party MPs whose elections were challenged in constituencies such as Jomoro, Krachi West, and Pusiga.

He accused Bawumia of previously “weaponising religion for political gain,” citing past calls for a Muslim Vice President to ensure a Qur’an would be present at swearing-in ceremonies.

According to Tamekloe, Bawumia’s political tactics are often short-sighted: “Many times, he crosses the line just for the moment.

He doesn’t look at the long term. No wonder he lost in all the Zongos except Winneba.”

He concluded by drawing parallels with the legal challenges faced by Assin North MP, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, accusing the NPP of “hounding” him from 2020 to 2024.