Constituency Organizer for Manhyia South, Alhaji Abubakar Alhasan, known as Aboba, has revealed that the unveiling of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) vice presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), will mark a significant return of members from the Movement for Change back to the party.
According to him, this event, which will also introduce the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, is set to take place on Tuesday, July 10, 2024, at Jubilee Park in the Ashanti Region.
Alhaji Abubakar Alhasan emphasized on Abusua 96.5 FM’s Abusua Nkomo show with host Kojo Marfo that the Movement for Change, previously separated from the NPP, will face internal challenges immediately following the endorsement by the National Council of the NPP.
“In the next 32 hours, when the National Council endorses the candidate, the Movement for Change will implode.
The only persons who will remain with Allan Kyerematen will be his confidants, like Joseph Amoah and the KNUST political science lecturer, Dr. Akwasi Amakye Boateng.”
“The members of the Movement have already spoken extensively with us behind closed doors and told us they are excited that one of their own has been chosen to partner with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. They are willing to return to the party,” Aboba stated.
He also revealed that before the grand event at Jubilee Park, the Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, will be introduced to and seek the blessing of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
NAPO, as he is fondly known, will also be taken on a procession through the main streets of Kumasi before arriving at Jubilee Park.
Abubakar Alhasan debunked assertions that President Akufo-Addo had reservations about the choice of NAPO, insisting, “Per my information, the president commended Dr. Bawumia for presenting the very name he was waiting for.”
“The name of the flagbearer’s choice was packaged and sealed in a special luxurious envelope deliberately imported from Dubai and presented to the president,” he boasted.
Sources within the National Council indicate that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will proceed with the process to declare the Manhyia parliamentary candidacy vacant immediately after Thursday’s council meeting, allowing interested individuals to contest.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who doubles as the NPP’s flagbearer, has formally nominated Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Energy Minister, as his preferred running mate for the upcoming December 2024 presidential election.
Dr. Bawumia made this announcement following a crucial meeting with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at Jubilee House, where he informed the President of his choice.
Prior to the meeting, several names were speculated as potential running mates, but Dr. Opoku Prempeh, the current Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, emerged as the favored candidate.
The stakes are high for both the ruling NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The NPP aims to secure a third consecutive term in office, while the NDC seeks to avoid a third consecutive electoral defeat.
Upon unveiling, Dr. Opoku Prempeh will compete against Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate of opposition flagbearer John Mahama.
Both candidates have previous experience serving as education ministers, and their respective records in the education sector will be pivotal during the campaign.
