There is no better partner for Bawumia than NAPO - Nana Yaw Osei

Private Legal Practitioner, Nana Yaw Osei, has challenged Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to be bold in announcing Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as his running mate, insisting that the candidate may help his chances of winning December’s Presidential Election.

The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party remains tight-lipped about his choice of a vice-presidential candidate, even though there are reports he has presented the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, to President Nana Akufo-Addo as his choice.

According to Lawyer Nana Yaw Osei, if the flagbearer's choice is the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), he should go ahead and announce his name without any further delay.

“If it’s NAPO, he should go ahead and announce his name. I won’t say that making NAPO the VP will guarantee his win in the election, but it may help him. Just mention a name from the Ashanti Region, aside from NAPO, that may also be of assistance,” he said.

Speaking in an interview with Kojo Marfo on Bresosem at Abusua FM, Nana Yaw Osei explained that the 2024 election would not be an easy contest for the ruling New Patriotic Party, citing the challenges of incumbency and loss of trust among supporters.

He noted that “when people criticize the government and there is evidence to back their claims, it affects the party’s ticket.”

Dr. Osei also pointed out that some party members have defected due to Dr. Bawumia’s candidacy, stating, “Today, people have left the party because Bawumia is their flagbearer, but we say it’s a game of numbers.”

Comparing NAPO’s experience in politics, Osei argued that none of the other potential vice-presidential candidates have a greater track record than him.

“He recounted, “NAPO has been in Parliament since 2009, serving 16 years, and has held ministerial positions in the last eight years, including a stint at a troubled ministry.”

“I have heard the Chief of Staff's name; she served two terms. I also heard about the Education Minister, Yaw Osei Adutwum, who is currently in his second term and is seeking re-election, even if he wants to be chosen. Naa Torshie and Ursula Owusu came to meet NAPO in Parliament,” he chuckled.

Responding to misgivings from the MP for Asante Akim North, Andy Appiah Kubi, who has expressed his opposition to the Bawumia – NAPO ticket, Osei advised the MP to demonstrate maturity in his comments, warning him to be careful in his criticisms and not speak like a child.

“He should be measured. He should be careful with his criticisms, as he is not a child. You can state what you dislike about his candidacy, but if he becomes the chosen one, you are all following the reason you are in a party,” he cautioned.

He argued that Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s credentials tower above all other persons named as potential candidates to partner with Dr. Bawumia for the presidential race.

“Who in the NPP is better than NAPO, that if he were chosen would be a surprise?” he quizzed.

He emphasized that even though the National Council is yet to endorse his choice, the selection of a running mate lies with flagbearers, who know what they want from their running mate.

“The running mate’s picture is not on the ballot paper, but there is no flagbearer who simply nominates someone as a running mate; it is the reason why, anytime the person the flagbearer selects, the party accepts it.”

He noted that while people may express their opinions about the demeanor, qualifications, and clout of Dr. Opoku Prempeh, if the nominee becomes the running mate, all previous comments become moot.

“Nobody is perfect; you can dislike NAPO’s personality or the way he speaks, but that does not mean that because you dislike his manner of speaking, the flagbearer should accept your criticism and not nominate him. Others may appreciate how he communicates and his personality. If it’s NAPO, I don’t think anyone can say he doesn’t deserve it, especially in our country, where simply knowing what you’re doing can be enough to garner dislike,” he opined.

Background:

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has informed President Akufo-Addo that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is his choice as running mate for the December 2024 elections.

This was during a meeting Dr. Bawumia had with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House on Tuesday night [June 25, 2024].

The President, in that meeting, offered advice and shared his thoughts.

The next move is for the flagbearer to go ahead and present Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s name to the National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in line with the constitution of the party, and if it is accepted, the party will go ahead and introduce Dr. Prempeh as the running mate.

Article 12 (b) of the NPP constitution states that the Party’s Presidential Candidate shall, in consultation with the National Council, nominate the Vice Presidential Candidate, who shall be a known and active Member of at least five (5) years.