Former Attorney-General Ayikoi Otoo has made a statement regarding the authority to choose a running mate for the upcoming December elections in Ghana. According to Otoo, Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia does not hold the ultimate authority in making this decision. He emphasized that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is the entity vested with the power to decide on this matter.
Otoo explained that while Vice President Bawumia can propose a candidate for the position, the final decision rests with the NEC. The NEC has the authority to either accept or reject his recommendation. During an interview with Accra-based Asaase Radio, Otoo emphasized the limited influence of the NPP flagbearer in such scenarios, stating, "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."
He further clarified, "What happens in the true state of affairs is that he [Vice President Bawumia] sends the name there for them to look at it and decide whether they like it or not. So who is actually making the choice?"
Additionally, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has urged supporters to refrain from putting pressure on Dr. Bawumia regarding the selection of his running mate. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stressed the importance of allowing the party's flagbearer the independence to make his own decision on the choice of a running mate. He believes that this approach would contribute to the unity and success of the party.
This development sheds light on the internal dynamics within the NPP, as the selection of a running mate is a pivotal decision in the lead-up to the December elections. The statements from Otoo and Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu underscore the intricate process and the involvement of the NEC in the decision-making process, indicating that the ultimate decision does not solely rest with Vice President Bawumia.
As the NPP prepares for the upcoming elections, the role of the NEC and the dynamics within the party regarding the selection of a running mate will likely continue to be a topic of interest and scrutiny. The input from key party figures such as Otoo and Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu provides insight into the party's internal workings and the considerations surrounding this significant decision.
