Calls are emerging within sections of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to retain Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, as his running mate if he contests the 2028 presidential election.
The latest discussions follow Bawumia’s selection of NAPO as his running mate for the 2024 general election. Bawumia formally chose the former Energy Minister after consultations within the party, and NAPO was subsequently endorsed through the NPP’s internal processes.
With preparations and discussions around the 2028 election already underway within the NPP, some party figures and supporters have begun advocating for continuity in the presidential ticket.
Among those publicly calling for NAPO to be retained is Professor Sarpong, who has urged Bawumia to maintain the former minister as his running mate for the next election. Other voices have similarly argued that retaining the same ticket could provide continuity for the party as it prepares for the 2028 contest.
The debate comes after the NPP’s performance in the 2024 general election, when Bawumia and NAPO contested the presidential election against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ticket of John Dramani Mahama and Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Mahama won the presidential election, while Bawumia conceded defeat.
NAPO, a former Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, previously served as Minister for Education before becoming Minister for Energy. He resigned as Energy Minister in 2024 after being selected as Bawumia’s running mate.
Supporters who favour his retention have pointed to the experience the two politicians gained while campaigning together in 2024 and the familiarity that has developed around their political partnership.
However, the question of who should serve as Bawumia’s running mate remains a matter for the NPP’s internal political processes. Advocacy by individual party members, supporters or commentators does not itself constitute a formal decision by the party or Bawumia.
The discussion is also taking place well ahead of the 2028 presidential election, meaning that the eventual composition of the NPP ticket could be influenced by further consultations, party considerations and developments within the political landscape.
For now, the public calls for NAPO’s retention represent a growing part of the conversation surrounding the NPP’s preparations for the next presidential election.
The former Education and Energy Minister’s supporters will be hoping that the calls gain wider acceptance within the party, while other members could put forward alternative views or potential candidates as the 2028 political process develops.
Bawumia’s eventual decision on his running mate will therefore be subject to the relevant political and party processes before the NPP’s final ticket for the 2028 election is established.
Source: Thepressradio.com
