In less than eight months to the December 7 polls, the ruling New Patriotic Party is yet to nominate its Vice Presidential Candidate to partner with the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
While political analysts and pollsters have emphasized the need for the ruling party to select its running mate from its voter world bank, the Ashanti Region, the party is yet to settle on a particular candidate.
And while the contest for running mate bid appears to exist between the Energy Minister and Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh and the Education Minister and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, there seems to be strong opposition to each candidate from the party.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Walewale Youth Warriors, a pro-NPP group, has vehemently opposed the consideration of Energy Minister and MP for Manhyia South, Honorable Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as the running mate to Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia.
The group in a statement called on the Overlord of the Mamprugu Paramountcy, Naa Bohaga Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, to intercede in the selection process of the party’s vice presidential candidate.
Citing concerns over the Energy Minister’s perceived character, demeanour, and recent controversial remarks, the Walewale Youth Warriors argued that his inclusion on the ticket could jeopardise the ruling party’s chances in the upcoming elections.
The group also asserted that the Manhyia South Member of Parliament’s conduct does not align with the values championed by Dr. Bawumia and the party leadership, potentially undermining the party’s efforts to secure victory and “Break The 8”.
The group’s discontent stems from a recent incident during an interview with journalists in Kumasi, where the Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh faced backlash for what according to many was deemed an insensitive comment regarding the country’s power challenges.
His response to inquiries about the possibility of a load-shedding program was criticized as lacking in leadership acumen and sensitivity to public concerns.
Expressing concern over the ramifications of Dr Opoku Prempeh’s perceived leadership failure, the Walewale Youth Warriors fear that his candidacy could tarnish the electoral prospects of the NPP, particularly as Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia endeavours to garner widespread support and secure victory in the upcoming elections.
“We have no problem at all with selecting an Akan or an Asante but certainly not this Energy Minister, his actions are at variance with the Presidential Candidate, he will not add anything but a liability to our cause to Breaking the 8”
Walewale Youth Warriors
The Pivotal Role of Running Mate
Moreover, the group emphasized the pivotal role of the vice presidential candidate in complementing the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s vision and programs, warning that the candidacy of the former Education Minister could hinder rather than enhance the party’s electoral fortunes.
It is important to state that the appeal to Naa Bohaga Mahami Abdulai Sheriga by the youth group affiliated with the ruling party underscores the gravity and intensity of the running mate race within the governing New Patriotic Party.
The brewing tensions surrounding the running mate bid of the New Patriotic Party underscores the broader factionalism within the party as different interests vie for influence and prominence.
With internal divisions threatening to undermine party cohesion, there is a pressing need for robust consultation and consensus-building within the party leadership.
The nomination of the vice presidential candidate carries significant implications for the party’s electoral prospects and must be approached with careful deliberation and inclusivity to ensure unity and effectiveness in the pursuit of victory.
With the ruling party’s popularity dwindling per poll results, it is without doubt that the resolution of tensions surrounding the vice presidential candidacy will be pivotal in determining the party’s trajectory and prospects in the forthcoming elections.
The leadership of the ruling party must therefore take decisive intervention to avert potential discord and potential electoral setbacks.
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