Andy Appiah-Kubi, the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North and a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed his opposition to the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, known as NAPO, as the party’s running mate for the upcoming December elections.
Despite acknowledging NAPO’s qualifications, Appiah-Kubi made it clear that he is not his preferred choice.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the ruling party’s flagbearer, presented Dr. Opoku Prempeh to President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday, June 27, seeking his approval. However, in an interview with Joy News, Appiah-Kubi stated that if the decision were his, he would not choose NAPO as the running mate.
“I wouldn’t speak to a majority because we have not been consulted as a caucus for us to state our position. But for me, Appiah-Kubi, you can solicit my view on that. If it were up to me to choose, I wouldn’t choose him. He is not my preference. ‘Appiah-Kubi is saying that he is not my preference’, but that doesn’t mean he is not qualified”, he explained.
Appiah-Kubi emphasized the need for a running mate who would be more acceptable to parliamentarians and could effectively engage with the people at the grassroots level. He suggested the party should select someone who can deliver votes, submit to the presidency, and bridge the gap between Parliament and the executive.
“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. I don’t see that happening in this equation. He cannot hold my hand, so why would I say that I prefer him? He cannot hold my hand,” he stated.
