Former Attorney-General Ayikoi Otoo has indicated that Vice-President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer does not possess the ultimate authority to select his running mate for the upcoming December elections.
Mr. Ayikoi Otoo emphasized that the power to make this decision lies with the National Executive Council (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). While Dr. Bawumia may suggest a candidate for the position, the final determination rests with the NEC, which holds the authority to either accept or reject his recommendation.
During an interview with Accra-based Asaase Radio on Tuesday, February 6, Mr. Ayikoi Otoo highlighted the limited influence of the NPP flagbearer in such matters.
“The choice of a running mate by Vice President Bawumia will not be final until it is approved by the national council of the New Patriotic Party,” Ayikoi Otoo said.
“What happens in the true state of affairs is he [Vice-President Bawumia] sends the name there for them to look at it and to decide whether they like it or not. So who is actually making the choice?”
Shortly after Dr Bawumia was elected flagbearer of the NPP in November 2023, a list purportedly unveiling a roster of individuals eyeing the Vice President slot emerged on social media.
The unverified compilation consisted of names like Chief of Staff, Frema Opare; Roads Minister, Kwasi Amoako Atta; Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu; Energy Minister, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Education Minister, Yaw Osei Adutwum, among others.
It has been over two months, and Dr Bawumia is yet to announce his running mate ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Meanwhile, the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has advised supporters to avoid pressuring Dr. Bawumia regarding the selection of his running mate.
Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized the significance of granting the party’s flagbearer the autonomy to make his own decision regarding the choice of a running mate, believing that doing so would enhance the unity and success of the party.
As the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, he expressed trust in Dr. Bawumia’s intelligence and anticipated that he would make a prudent choice that aligns with the party’s best interests.