A senior member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, claims the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was not given the freedom to choose his running mate for the upcoming elections in December.
This comes after reports suggested that Dr. Bawumia, has named Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh as his running mate.
According to sources, a meeting was convened on Tuesday night where Dr Bawumia sought advice from President Akufo-Addo regarding his choice of a running mate.
This has sparked intense debate within the party, with many questioning the suitability of Dr Opoku Prempeh for the role.
In an interview with 3FM on Thursday, June 27, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe alleged that Dr. Bawumia was forced to accept Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Energy Minister, as his running mate, despite concerns over the Energy Minister’s perceived arrogant demeanour.
He reiterated his call several months ago that Dr Bawumia will not be able to make his own decision.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe questioned why Dr Bawumia was not allowed to pick his running mate, unlike previous NPP leaders, including former President Akufo-Addo, who had the discretion to choose their running mates.
“I know for a fact that he can’t pick his own running mate and I made mention of this almost seven months ago and the reason is that simple.”
“Bawumia’s position, he will find it difficult to pick his own running mate. Rawlings picked his own running mate, nobody would dare bring anyone to him and say ‘This one should go with you’. He fielded Ackaah and he failed, he changed him to another person. Kufuor picked his own running mate.”
“First round, second round, I was present. Not that someone was telling me. Atta Mills picked his own running mate, Mahama picked his own running mate. Akufo-Addo, scene one, picked his own running mate, scene two, picked his own running mate. Why can’t Bawumia pick his own running mate?”.