Over the Selection of Nana Addo’s Running Mate

_ “I am the candidate and will never countenance any imposition from any quarters,”I Nana Akufo-Addo exclaimed!_

TWELVE MONTHS TO THE 2012 GENERAL ELECTIONS, THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME LEVEL OF APPREHENSION IN THE OPPOSITION NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY (NPP) OVER WHO GETS TO PARTNER THE PARTY??S PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, NANA AKUFO-ADDO ,AS RUNNING MATE.

A couple of names are making the rounds, including those of Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, Nana’s running mate in 2008, Deputy Minority leader Ambrose Derry, Lepowura (Alhaji) M. N. D Jawula and Boniface Abubakar Sadique, former Minister of Works and Housing.

But, there is confusion among some key and influential members of the party, over who gets the position. And Nana Akufo-Addo is bound to have a clash with some members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), who are adamant on the presidential candidate running with Ambrose Dery, rather than his preferred choice.

Nana Addo himself is not ready for any compromise, as he is reported to have told some National Executive Members that, he is the candidate, and will not countenance any imposition.

While some national executives of the party, led by Chairman Jake Obetsebi Lamptey and General Secretary Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, are in favour of Ambrose Dery, the flagbearer is poised to re-nominate Mahamadu Bawumia, who partnered him in his 2008 abortive at the Presidency.

A source close to Nana Akufo-Addo has confirmed to this paper that, the candidate is in no mood for any compromise as he believes that Dr. Bawumia must be given the opportunity once again.

"We need someone who shares in the ideals of the party, and also blends easily with the flag bearer. Bawumia has shown beyond every reasonable doubt that he has more than what it takes to be a running mate, and Nana Addo will definitely not compromise on his candidature”, the source said.

The source further disclosed that Dr. Bawumia has been tipped by majority of NPP supporters to partner Nana Akufo Addo in next year’s elections. In their opinion, any attempt to substitute him might create more confusion in the NPP that is likely to affect its electoral success in 2012.

Traditionally, the Busia-Danquah-Dombo political tradition has always chosen a Northerner- cum Muslim to partner their flag bearer any time the opportunity presents itself.

However, the dynamics may change this time round as there is considerable pressure being mounted on Nana Akufo-Addo to name a compromise candidate in the next few weeks.

The True Statesman

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