Hold Your Fire on Running Mate – Bigwigs Say It’s Too Early

In less than two days after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) elected Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections, discussions have already emerged over the selection of a running mate.

While some party supporters are pushing for an early announcement, arguing that delays could hurt the party’s electoral chances, senior figures within the NPP have dismissed such calls as premature.

Campaign Manager for the Dr. Bawumia campaign, Frederick Opare-Ansah, in an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, explained that choosing a running mate is a strategic political decision that must be taken at the right time.

“My view on this running mate matter is that it is early days yet. In considering your choice of running mate, per my experience, you may want to consider who is even leading the other political party. At least you need to let that happen before you even start a conversation about running mate,” he stated.

He likened the process to a game of chess, noting that patience and calculation are crucial in political decision-making.

“It is just like playing the game of chess; once you make a move, you wait for your opponent to also make his. You don’t just start showing all your hands. So, it is important that we shelve the discussion about who will be running mate at this time,” he said.

Stop Pressuring Bawumia

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has cautioned party members against mounting pressure on Dr Bawumia over his choice of a running mate.

According to him, any attempts to influence or rush the presidential candidate should be discouraged to allow him time to engage stakeholders and focus on rebuilding the party.

“All conversations that seek to pressure the candidate or the party into making decisions at this stage should be discouraged,” he said in an interview on Joy FM.

He explained that the party is currently focused on internal processes, including thanking delegates, rebuilding its policy platform, and strengthening its communication structures.

Questions Over NAPO’s Suitability

In a related development, a leading NPP member, Dr Arthur Kennedy, has raised concerns about the suitability of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, as a potential running mate to Dr Bawumia.

Dr Kennedy argued that such a choice could weaken the party’s appeal ahead of the 2028 elections, citing NAPO’s past public posture and controversial comments.

“I don’t think he was a good running mate. Of course, you can always say maybe this time around he will be better. But the last time, his Kwame Nkrumah comments and all those kinds of things were alienating,” he stated.

While acknowledging NAPO’s experience and personality, Dr Kennedy suggested that other individuals may better complement Dr Bawumia’s campaign.

“I like Napo. He’s a very interesting person, but if I were Dr Bawumia, I would seriously consider whether other people would help me better,” he said.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia emerged victorious in the NPP’s presidential primaries held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, after defeating four other contenders to secure the party’s flagbearer position.