Dr. Kwame Asah Asante, a distinguished Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Legon has emphasized the critical need for the ruling New Patriotic Party to expedite the process of choosing its running mate ahead of the December 7 polls.
The renowned Political Scientist commenting on the issue raised concerns over the delay in selecting a running mate by the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, cautioning that time is of the essence in the lead-up to the forthcoming campaign season.
Dr Asah Asante further asserted that the prolonged delays of the New Patriotic Party’s running mate could potentially hamper the party’s electoral prospects in the upcoming general elections.
He underscored the necessity and urgency for the governing party and its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to strike a delicate balance between comprehensive consultations and timely decision-making.
“The party must be mindful of the fact that time is not on their side, you want to consult broadly but you can’t spend all your life on that. By now, they should be out with a candidate who has all the qualities that they want so that it doesn’t delay the campaign unnecessarily”.
Dr Kwame Asah Asante
Repercussions of Delaying Nomination of a Running Mate
Expressing apprehension over the potential repercussions of a delayed decision by the New Patriotic Party, Dr Asah Asante cautioned against introducing a running mate late into an already initiated campaign.
He warned that such a scenario could subject the party’s selected candidate to intense scrutiny and unwarranted attacks, potentially undermining his or her ability to effectively navigate the campaign trail.
Furthermore, Dr Kwame Asah Asante stressed the urgency for the leadership of the governing New Patriotic Party to promptly announce its choice of a running mate, urging the party to prioritize cohesion and preparedness ahead of the impending electoral contest.
He underscored the importance of strategic planning and proactive decision-making in positioning the party for success in the upcoming polls.
Meanwhile, Patriotic Movement for Dr Bawumia, a group affiliated to the ruling party which is based in the Ashanti has urged the party’s flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to ignore pressure from certain groups within the party to select their preferred candidate as his running mate for the 2024 general elections.
The group, which is made up of constituency executives and grassroots supporter of the party vehemently argued that if the Vice President succumb to such pressure in announcing his running mate, it would have negative consequences for the party’s chances in the upcoming presidential election.
The lead Convenor of the group and Vice Chairman of the Oforikrom branch of the party in the Ashanti Region, Aggry Fiifi strongly posited that previous instances of candidates being influenced by parochial party groups have resulted in electoral defeat and factionalism within the party.
“It is sad to note that the NPP members who must have been vigorously campaigning for our flag-bearer, are at this crucial moment, busily exerting all their energies on adopting various diabolic strategies to force a running mate on Dr. Bawumia. This is absurd and must be condemned by all persons who mean well for the party.”
Fiifi Aggrey, Lead Convenor, Patriotic Movement for Dr. Bawumia
Mr Fiifi, on behalf of the group underscored the need for members and supporters of the party to acknowledege the fact that the choice of a running mate is the prerogative of the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
He admonished against any attempts to force a candidate on him through press conferences, petitions, or other means, further cautioning individuals interested in becoming the running mate to refrain from sponsoring such pressure tactics.
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