Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu speaks on alleged rivalry with NAPO over running mate slot

Former Majority Leader and former Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has responded to rumours circulating in the media about an alleged rivalry between him and the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 2024 running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO).

Speaking in an interview with Oyerpa TV, which was shared on social media, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu dismissed speculation that he is seeking to become the running mate of the NPP's 2028 presidential candidate, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The former lawmaker revealed that he played a role in the selection of Dr Opoku Prempeh as Dr Bawumia's running mate for the 2024 presidential election.

"I am not in competition with NAPO over the running mate position, so I do not understand those making such claims. I have even said before that I held his hand and took him to Dr Bawumia," he stated.

I won't let my funeral become ‘horrible’ like Lumba's, Rev Boakye's, Kwadwo Safo's – Obinim to wife

According to him, he advised Dr Bawumia as far back as 2022 to consider NAPO for the position, long before the official announcement was made.

"In 2022, I advised Bawumia to select NAPO as his running mate. NAPO was not even aware of it. So how would I be in competition with him?" he questioned.

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stressed that the selection of a running mate is ultimately the prerogative of the presidential candidate and not a position that party members openly campaign for.

"I am not in any competition because nobody campaigns for the running mate position. It is the presidential candidate who, in his wisdom, chooses the person he believes is best suited for the role," he added.

Dr Bawumia selected Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, a former Minister of Education and former Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, as his running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Dr is also contesting the 2028 general elections as a presidential candidate on the ticket of the NPP and he is yet to select his running mate.

AM

'He said he wanted to die' - Sister of Adenta building collapse victim speaks