It’s been seven months since Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was handed the presidential nomination for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), yet the suspense lingers as the party faithful eagerly await the announcement of his running mate. The prolonged delay has ignited widespread debate and speculation within the party’s ranks and beyond.
Dr. Bawumia, who secured a resounding victory in the primaries, has been meticulously strategizing for the upcoming presidential election. However, the absence of a declared running mate has left a critical gap in his campaign, prompting concerns and varied opinions among NPP supporters.
A recent survey by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), showed that Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the current Minister for Education, has emerged as the front-runner in the race for the vice-presidential slot. Known for his extensive political experience and popularity within the party, Opoku Prempeh appears to be the preferred choice among many NPP members.
The delay in announcing a running mate has generated a plethora of discussions among party members. Many believe that naming a running mate is crucial for building momentum and presenting a united front against the opposition.
Federick Banitsi, a devoted NPP supporter in the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, is concerned, and states, “It’s essential that we know who will be standing alongside Dr. Bawumia. The longer we wait, the more uncertainty we create. We need to rally around our candidates and start preparing for the election.”
Others like Adwoa Ofori, a young activist from Madina Constituency, see the delay as a strategic move. “Dr. Bawumia is a wise politician. He’s taking his time to ensure he makes the right choice. Rushing into such a critical decision could be detrimental.”
Justice Siaw Mandela, a political analyst, has asserted that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s delay in selecting his running mate is politically detrimental.
The analyst believes that the candidate would have benefited if his running mate had been part of his ongoing regional campaign tour.
He stated that it was prudent for the Vice President to choose his running mate and introduce him or her during his campaign tour so that Ghanaians could become acquainted with the candidate, assess them, and learn about their level of competence.
“It is concerning that the Vice President has not selected a running mate. It would have been more impactful if he had included his running mate in his campaign tour.
“This would have allowed voters to familiarize themselves with the running mate, evaluate their qualifications, and decide if they are fit to serve in that capacity,” he said.
Several names have been floated as potential running mates, each bringing unique strengths and considerations to the table. Apart from Matthew Opoku Prempeh, other notable figures include Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Education Minister, and Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation.
Despite the speculation, party insiders suggest that Dr. Bawumia’s decision-making process is focused on finding a candidate who not only complements his vision but also appeals to a broad spectrum of the Ghanaian electorate. The emphasis is on selecting someone with a proven track record, political acumen, and the ability to galvanize support across the nation.
The NIB’s latest survey provides a glimpse into the preferences of the NPP’s grassroots supporters. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s lead in the survey is attributed to his impactful tenure as the Minister for Education, where he has been instrumental in implementing significant reforms and policies. His leadership qualities and dedication to public service have earned him considerable admiration within the party.
However, the survey also highlighted a close contest among the potential candidates, indicating that the final decision may still be open and subject to further deliberation.
Professor Seidu Alidu, Head of the Political Science Department, at the University of Ghana, has expressed concern about the leak of a National Investigation Bureau (NIB) survey regarding Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party flagbearer’s preferred running mate.
He said although the NIB was mandated to investigate issues of national security importance, its findings should have been kept confidential and disclosed only after the party had made their official announcement on their selected candidate.
Prof. Alidu said the circulation of the survey in the media, could create a “bandwagon effect” and influence the Party’s decision in favour of one candidate.
“The survey is relevant. The NIB is supposed to be proactive in advising the Government on national security matters and potential security threats. The selection of a running mate who will potentially be the vice president of the Republic should be of national security concern.
“Making it public is concerning. I am not sure it was meant to sway opinions towards a particular candidate or not,” he said.
As the countdown to the next presidential election continues, the pressure mounts on Dr. Bawumia to make a decisive choice. The announcement of his running mate will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the NPP’s campaign and influence its chances of retaining power.
For now, the NPP and its supporters remain in a state of eager anticipation, hopeful that the eventual decision will fortify their bid for victory and usher in a new chapter of leadership for Ghana.
In the words of Nana Ama Dankwa, a veteran party member, “We trust Dr. Bawumia’s judgment. The right running mate will not only strengthen our campaign but also inspire confidence among the electorate. We are ready to rally behind whoever he chooses and work towards a triumphant election.”
As the nation watches closely, the political landscape is on the alert for the next significant announcement that could determine the trajectory of the NPP’s future.
