A stalwart of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has revealed that, the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in his quest of choosing a running mate, was impressed upon by some big shots in the party to settle for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

According to Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, the flag bearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was not given the freewill to choose his running mate for the upcoming December Presidential and parliamentary elections.

The comments of the revered statesman comes after rumours circulating in the public space revealed that Dr. Bawumia had chosen the Energy Minister and the Member of Parliament for Manhyia, as his running mate.

According to information gathered by Peacefmonline.com, a meeting was convened on Tuesday, June 25, where Dr. Bawumia sought advice from President Akufo-Addo regarding his choice of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as his running mate.

This news sparked intense debate within the party, with many questioning the suitability of Dr. Opoku Prempeh for the vice Presidential role.

In a 3FM interview on Thursday, 27th June, 2024, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe alleged that Dr. Bawumia was coerced into accepting Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as his running mate, despite concerns over the Energy Minister’s perceived arrogant demeanour.

He reiterated his call several months ago that Dr Bawumia will not be able to make his own decision.

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe questioned why Dr. Bawumia was not allowed to pick his running mate, unlike previous NPP leaders, including former President Akufo-Addo, who had the discretion to choose their running mates.

He said, “I know for a fact that he can’t pick his own running mate and I made mention of this almost seven months ago and the reason is that simple.”

“Bawumia’s position, he will find it difficult to pick his own running mate. Rawlings picked his own running mate, nobody would dare bring anyone to him and say ‘This one should go with you’. He fielded Ackaah and he failed, he changed him to another person. Kufuor picked his own running mate.”

He further stated, “First round, second round, I was present. Not that someone was telling me. Atta Mills picked his own running mate, Mahama picked his own running mate. Akufo-Addo, scene one, picked his own running mate, scene two, picked his own running mate. Why can’t Bawumia pick his own running mate?”