Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West constituency, has expressed her disapproval of some party members lobbying to be the running mate for the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Mrs Owusu-Ekuful stated that such actions are disrespectful and undermine the decision-making authority of the Presidential nominee.
In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show, the Communication Minister emphasized the importance of allowing Dr. Bawumia the freedom to make his choice without external pressure.
She stated, “Let him be given the space to choose the person he best thinks can partner with him. I think it is even disrespectful for people to be lobbying as if he can’t make his own decision.”
Mrs Owusu-Ekuful urged the public to refrain from putting pressure on Dr. Bawumia to nominate his running mate, emphasizing that the position should not be sought after or gambled for.
She stated, “It is an appointed position and I think the flagbearer should be left alone and given the space to decide who he thinks can best partner him and boost his chances in the election.”
Calls for the NPP’s flagbearer to nominate a female running mate have intensified in recent times, with the names of Akosua Frema Osei-Opare and Naa Torshie being mentioned.
However, Owusu-Ekuful clarified that while her name may be speculated, she has never expressed interest in the position or lobbied for it.
Dr. Bawumia was elected NPP flagbearer in December 2023, but he is yet to announce his running mate. Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has been tipped as the front runner in the race for the running mate position.