Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader in Parliament, has cautioned his New Patriotic Party (NPP) colleagues and supporters against engaging in infighting as the party prepares to announce its running mate for the 2024 elections.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of unity within the party, particularly as the decision of a running mate to NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is still under review.
Afenyo-Markin advised NPP MPs to be cautious with their public comments regarding the running mate selection. He stressed the need for careful language and respectful discourse among party members, reminding them that no candidate is perfect.
“Yes, we’ve all heard matters regarding the running mate to complement our ticket, but no decision has been made yet, and the party structures are there. So I would want to encourage colleague MPs that we are in this together. There is no perfect person in this world,” he stated.
The Effutu MP urged his colleagues to be measured in their language and interactions, highlighting that Dr. Bawumia, in consultation with party elders, would make a decision beneficial to the party and all involved.
On June 26, it was reported that Dr. Bawumia had consulted President Akufo-Addo on his choice of a running mate for the December 7 presidential election. During a meeting at the Jubilee House, Dr. Bawumia presented Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, to the President, who offered advice and eventually accepted the choice.
However, this news was met with some disapproval. Andy Appiah-Kubi, a member of the NPP’s National Council and MP for Asante Akim North, voiced his opposition to NAPO as the running mate. Appiah-Kubi argued that the Energy Minister was not an acceptable choice for many within the NPP, particularly among MPs, and that he would struggle to campaign effectively in various constituencies.
“I would want somebody who would be open with the people on the ground, who would be able to deliver the votes, who would submit to the presidency, and who would be important in bringing Parliament closer to the executive,” Appiah-Kubi stated.
