2024 running mate: It is Napo! - Afenyo-Markin confirms after meeting Bawumia

Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has confirmed the choice of Matthew Opoku Prempeh, alias Napo, as running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Opoku Prempeh's nomination for the role was widely reported this week even though there was no formal announcement to that effect.

“The leader of our party, His Excellency Dr Bawumia met with the leadership of Parliament and, in the end, the conclusion is that our respected colleague, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is his choice for running mate,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said on Accra-based Citi FM on June 28, 2024.

“I have engaged the caucus, and the feedback has been positive. The generality of the caucus is in support of his choice,” he stressed.

The nominee is currently Member of Parliament for Manhyia South and the Minister of Energy.

Barely 24-hours prior, Afenyo-Markin was cautioning colleague Members of Parliament to tone down on their opposition to the choice of Napo as running mate.

"We haven't received any official word from the party yet. Consultations are indeed ongoing, and we've heard various names.

"All the individuals mentioned are respected party members who have contributed significantly to our party. It would be inappropriate for anyone to single out an individual for criticism," he stated.

"In politics, if destiny chooses you, your age, religion, or humility doesn't matter. If God has chosen you, so be it.

"We need to maintain party unity, so let's all wait and ensure that unity prevails... We're all in this together; no one is perfect. The flagbearer has the party's confidence, and I trust he will utilize the party's structures in making his decisions," he affirmed.

SARA