Mahama coy over Amissah-Arthur as running mate

President John Dramani Mahama is not ready to disclose who will be his running mate for the 2016 general elections until the primary is over.

The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) will be electing its presidential and parliamentary candidates for the general elections next month. Mahama is going for an endorsement since he is standing unopposed.

Political watchers believe his vice president Kwesi Amissah-Arthur is an automatic choice, having sent him to pick his nomination forms.

Speaking on the issue, Mahama said he cannot reveal his running mate when he is not yet a candidate.

“You can’t have a running mate when you are not yet a candidate,” Mahama told Twin-City Radio on Monday.

“We have worked sufficiently and looking for maximum endorsement. You can’t go over 100%. I’m going round and talking to them and asking for their mandate.”

“You have to be endorsed first then you can announce who your running mate should be. There is a procedure for naming a running mate.”

The president was optimistic he is still “going for a one-touch” victory in a bid to retain power.

He said: “I’m confident that God is on our side.”

The NDC will go to the polls on November 7.