The choice of Dr. Mattew Opoku Prempeh, aka Napo as the running mate for the NPP Flagbearer, Dr. Bawumiah is facing a fierce implosion within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
At least one prominent member of the party from the party’s caucus in parliament has openly flagged the selection of the Energy Minister, Opoku Prempeh for Dr. Bawumiah’s running mate as disastrous following the unofficial announcement of the Manhyia North Member of Parliament a couple of days ago.
Asante Akyem North Member of Parliament, Andy Appiah-Kubi has described Bawumiah’s selection as a harbinger of bad omens for the party’s chances heading into the 2024 election.
In a daring move, maverick Asante Akyem North Member of Parliament (MP), Andy Appiah-Kubi, is shaking up the potential selection of his counterpart from Manhyia South as the vice presidential candidate alongside Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Appiah-Kubi, famously known for leading a revolt against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in 2022, is now advocating for a more unifying and composed figure to join forces with the flagbearer for the upcoming December 7 general election.
Speculation abounds that Dr. Bawumia’s choice may be swayed by a failed presidential candidate within the NPP, reportedly endorsed by influential party financier Ken Ohene Agyapong.
This endorsement pressure seems to have intensified following Agyapong’s campaign activity in the Ashanti Region, leading many to believe that the Energy Minister was the favored candidate.
However, Appiah-Kubi is resolute in his stand against the prevailing assumptions, particularly in light of a rumored survey conducted by the National Investigations Bureau favoring the Energy Minister for the slot.
Emphatically stating that the Minister would not be his preference, Appiah-Kubi highlighted the qualities he deems essential in a vice-presidential candidate — emphasizing the need for someone who can engage with the people, secure votes, and align with parliamentary colleagues.
Amidst the swirling debate, detractors have voiced concerns over the perceived shortcomings of the energy minister, citing instances of arrogance, dismissiveness, and controversial remarks.
Notably, staunch opposition within the NPP, including Ashanti Regional chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako and influential broadcaster Oheneba Nana Asiedu, have vocally expressed their reservations about the Energy Minister’s candidature, raising potential implications on party unity.
As alternative suggestions surface, names like Education Minister Yaw Osei Adutwum, former Majority leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, and other prominent figures have been put forward as potential contenders for the vice-presidential position.
This increasing divergence of opinions and alliances highlights the underlying tension and complexities within the NPP’s decision-making process.
With the party facing internal dissent and external scrutiny, the path to selecting a vice-presidential candidate remains fraught with conflicting interests and strategic calculations.