The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer’s campaign team has disclosed that they are still looking for a running mate to accompany Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The team claims that no decision has been made.
The Team’s Communications Director, Nana Akomeah, told JoyNews that while the information they have gathered suggests that the NDC will continue to support Prof. Naana Opoku Agyemang as John Mahama’s partner, it will not in any way affect their choice of running mate.
He emphasized that in two months, Dr. Bawumia will reveal his running companion.
“The choice of a running mate is left to the flagbearer and in making that choice he will consider a lot of factors including gender, origin, personality, in fact, a lot of things. when he has gotten a name or two, then he brings it to the party.
There is always a pool of people but he hasn’t settled on anyone. I suspect that he will be coming out in April-May so there is still a bit of time.
The NDC has had its flagbearer for almost a year but has yet to come out with a running mate. I understand they will be announcing next week and they will give it to the woman professor,” he said.
This comes after former Attorney General Ayikoi Otoo claimed that Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia lacks the last say in selecting his running mate before the elections in December.
Mr. Ayikoi Otoo emphasized that the authority to decide in this regard rests with the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Executive Council (NEC).
He clarified that although Dr. Bawumia may suggest a candidate for the job, the NEC has the last say and can choose to accept or reject his suggestion.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 6, Mr. Ayikoi Otoo emphasized the NPP flagbearer’s limited power in such situations in an interview with Accra-based Asaase Radio.
Ayikoi Otoo stated, “Vice President Bawumia’s selection of a running mate will not be final until it is approved by the New Patriotic Party national council.”
In actuality, Vice-President Bawumia submits the name there so that people can review it and determine whether or not they approve of it. Who is, then, really making the decision?
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader, has, in the meantime, asked supporters not to exert pressure on Dr. Bawumia over the choice of his running mate.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized how crucial it is to provide the party’s flagbearer the freedom to select his running mate because he thinks it will strengthen the party’s cohesion and success.
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs expressed faith in Dr. Bawumia’s intelligence and said he expected him to make a wise decision that would benefit the party.
