A group of ardent supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has come out to urge the party’s leader, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to resist any pressure from certain factions within the party to select their preferred candidate as his running mate for the upcoming December 2024 elections.
Known as the Patriotic Movement for Bawumia, the group held a press conference in Kumasi last Sunday where they advised the Vice President to exhibit true leadership by choosing a running mate who aligns with his vision and judgement. They cautioned against succumbing to pressures from different quarters within the party who are lobbying for their chosen candidates to be selected as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate.
Members of the group criticized the tactics employed by some party factions, such as organizing press conferences, sending delegations to Dr. Bawumia, launching petitions, and making threatening remarks in the media, all in an attempt to coerce the Vice President into choosing their preferred candidate as his running mate.
At the press conference, Convener of the group, James Fiifi Aggrey Eshun, emphasized the importance of Dr. Bawumia freely selecting a running mate without any external influence. He stressed that yielding to internal pressures could have significant implications and urged Dr. Bawumia to exercise his prerogative as the party’s flagbearer.
The group, comprising prominent NPP members, regional, and national executives, also issued a warning to individuals vying to be Dr. Bawumia’s running mate. They cautioned against sponsoring activities that go against the NPP’s values in an attempt to manipulate the Vice President’s decision.
Furthermore, the group advised Dr. Bawumia to disregard any endorsements that may have been made in the past or could come in the future, emphasizing that selecting a running mate should not be done under duress. They urged the Vice President to choose a candidate he has tested and believes is capable of helping lead the NPP to victory in the upcoming elections.
