The National Executive Council (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been summoned to an emergency meeting on Thursday, July 4, 2024 to discuss the choice of running mate for their flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawunia.
The emergency meeting follows Dr. Bawumia’s visit to the Asylum Down headquarters on Monday, July 1, 2024 to submit the name of his preferred choice.
The Chronicle understands that the vice president submitted the name of the Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, as his preferred running mate for the December 2024 polls.
Dr. Bawumia, who had earlier asked for time extension to enable him to consult broadly on his choice, could not have made the name public without the prior approval of the party hierarchy.
Article 12(b) of the constitution of the NPP indicates that the party’s presidential candidate [flag bearer] shall, in consultation with the National Council, nominate the vice presidential candidate [running mate], who shall be a known and active member for at least five years.
The Chronicle is informed that the Thursday meeting will be in two parts. A NEC meeting and then a National Council (NC) meeting will follow.
Following the outcome of the meeting on Thursday, if the name submitted is endorsed by NEC and NC, Dr. Bawumia is expected to make a public announcement to outdoor his running mate this month.
CONSULTATION
The NPP flag bearer had embarked on numerous consultations over who would be his partner to break the eight. He has had to deal with public campaigns from individuals of the party who were deemed fit to support his candidature.
However, last week, he met with the majority caucus in parliament to inform them about his choice and had their support.
He had earlier informed his current boss, President Akufo-Addo, about choosing the Energy Minister, Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, as his running mate, and received the endorsement and blessings of the man who brought him into mainstream politics.
APPROVAL
Though Dr. Bawumia’s meeting at the party’s headquarters was closed-door, the National Organiser of the NPP, Henry Nana Boakye, has confirmed that their flag bearer “formally informed National Officers of the NPP of his nomination of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as his running mate in the upcoming 2024 general elections.”
He, however, added that “the nomination, however, awaits the decision of the National Council, which is the final approving organ of the NPP.”
