Political analyst Nana Piesie Anto has disclosed that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia requested additional time to select a running mate after the one he proposed and submitted was rejected by the party.
He stated that a few months ago, the party conducted a meeting at the Alisa Hotel, where the Vice President proposed a name to the party, but it was rejected.
He [Bawumia] then asked the party to give him time to settle on another person.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the analyst noted that this is one of the main reasons why the announcement of the running mate has been delayed.
“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.”
Mr. Anto indicated that the delay in selecting a running mate by Dr. Bawumia was not politically healthy and could affect his campaign.
He said the party has insisted that they prefer a running mate who is an Asante who resides in the region.
“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. When this happens, it infuences the lobbying machinations. The party’s constitution gives Bawumia the power to select a running mate, but it is now a festival of lobbying. Some prefer Frema Opare; others want Yaw Osei Adutwum Twum. The rest want Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh. There are so many lobbying rooms now.
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.
So when will you select the running mate, announce the person, market the person, and campaign with the person? The centre of attention will move from the candidate to the running, and by the time you realise it, it is too late for the NPP to campaign.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
