Political analyst Nana Piesie Anto has revealed that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia requested additional time to select a running mate after the party rejected his initial choice.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Anto detailed the events that have led to the delay in the announcement of Dr. Bawumia’s running mate.
“A few months ago, the leadership of the NPP held a meeting where it expected the Vice President to submit the name of his running mate. However, his choice was rejected by the party. He then asked the party to give him some more time to settle on another person. Since that period, I have not really heard anything new,” Anto stated.
According to Anto, this delay is not politically healthy and could negatively impact Dr. Bawumia’s campaign. He highlighted the party’s insistence on selecting a running mate who is an Asante residing in the Ashanti region as a significant factor in the delay. “The party has told him they prefer a running mate who is an Asante and resides in the Ashanti region. They don’t want an Asante who resides in another region. That is the challenge for them now,” he explained.
The analyst noted that this situation has turned into a “festival of lobbying,” with various factions within the party pushing for their preferred candidates. “Some prefer Frema Opare; others want Yaw Osei Adutwum Twum. The rest want Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh. There are so many lobbying rooms now,” Anto remarked.
He further commented on the confusion and pressure Dr. Bawumia faces in making this critical decision. “Dr. Bawumia is now confused about who to choose because he does not know who to choose. It has been delayed to the extent that it may affect his campaign because, after the person is selected, attention will be drawn to the running mate, and their campaign may not be effective,” Anto said.
The delay could shift the focus from Dr. Bawumia to the running mate, complicating the NPP’s campaign strategy. “So when will you select the running mate, announce the person, market the person, and campaign with the person? The center of attention will move from the candidate to the running mate, and by the time you realize it, it is too late for the NPP to campaign,” Anto warned.
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Source: InsiderGH.com
