Pollster and Managing Director of the Daily Dispatch Newspaper Ben Ephson, has advised the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party Nana Akuffo- Addo to maintain Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as running mate for the 2012 general elections since he is a marketable candidate. Mr. Ben Ephson made his submissions in an interview on Xfm¹s morning show The Big Bite. Mr. Ephson said ³in fact I think he (Akuffo Addo) should maintain Bawumia because he lost not because of Bawumia but out of the party¹s own arrogance that they will win by all means, so you just have to be careful with what you do. The issue of picking from the Northern region is important but you have to try and balance². ³He should maintain Bawumia not because he is from the north. If Nana lost because of Bawumia, he should maintain Bawumia because he has been marketed enough and there is no mud to throw at him again any mud that will be thrown at him has been thrown already that is the advantage of maintaining your own margin of 40,000² Mr. Ephson explained. He further stated that, a running mate from the Northern region for the NPP in the 2012 general elections is very important. Some political pundits and reports have suggested names such as Mustapha Hamid, and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as eligible running mates to Nana Addo in the 2012 general elections. Political analyst, Dr. Kwesi Jonah has suggested that deputy Minority Leader in Parliament, Ambrose Dery would be a better running mate to the NPP flag bearer Nana Akuffo-Addo for the 2012 general elections than any of the names being floated as possibilities. However, Ben Ephson insists Nana Addo retaining Mahamudu Bawumiah will be the best choice.

Story by Brown Ohenewaa Esther/ Xfm 95.1/ Accra/ Ghana