Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly called NAPO is set to be officially unveiled as the running mate of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), on Tuesday, July 9, in a highly anticipated event.
The unveiling of NAPO as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate will take place in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, a traditional stronghold of the New Patriotic Party. According to Francis Adomako, the Ashanti Regional Organiser of the NPP, the region is eagerly awaiting the event.
On Friday, July 5, the National Council of the NPP formally endorsed NAPO as the running mate of Dr. Bawumia.
The decision has received widespread acclaim from top party officials, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who has expressed his confidence in the duo’s ability to lead the party to victory in the 2024 general elections.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh in a statement expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bawumia, for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving as his running mate. NAPO pledged his unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with Dr Bawumia to ensure a resounding victory for the party in the upcoming elections.
The New Patriotic Party has mounted a robust defence of NAPO, dismissing criticisms of his perceived arrogance. In response to the backlash, some stakeholders have suggested that NAPO should use prepared scripts for his future public appearances to help manage his messaging and mitigate any potential gaffes.
The New Patriotic Party has also officially opened nominations for the Manhyia South, following Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s elevation to the party’s running mate position.
This has left the Manhyia South Parliamentary seat vacant, though Parliament has yet to make an official declaration.
The party pledged a free and fair electoral process and urged prospective aspirants to be mindful of their utterances, emphasising that this is an internal affair.
NAPO’s brother, Nana Owusu Afriyie Prempeh, is reportedly vying for the same parliamentary seat, potentially setting up a family rivalry in the political arena.
The stage is set for a fiercely contested presidential election in 2024, with the New Patriotic Party’s duo, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO), facing off against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket, comprising former President John Dramani Mahama and Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
