The search for a running-mate for the NPP flagbearer, Mr. Akufo-Addo, for the 2012 election is over. Mr. Akufo-Addo and his handlers have settled on his 2008 running-mate, Mahmoudu Bawumia.
In fact, knowledgeable sources within the NPP have told the Ghanaian Lens newspaper that there never really was a search. Said one insider who spoke on condition of anonymity, “there was never any question about who is to partner Nana for the 2012 election. However, we thought that we should delay any formal announcement in order to get the total commitment and financial support of all those who may be eyeing the number two slot.”
Speaking to The Ghanaian Lens, the source, who is very close to the NPP flagbearer, stated that the choice of Bawumia is based on Akufo Addo’s own assertion that the 2008 ticket that saw him pairing with Bawumia to contest for the Presidency was a winning ticket.
“If, as we have stated on several occasions, we say that we had a winning team in 2008, then there is no reason why we should change Bawumia at this stage. In fact, none of the post-election 2008 analysis that we have done attributed any shortcoming to Bawumia beyond the fact that he was seen by party faithful as an outsider. But we believe that this can become an advantage, drawing undecided voters who would otherwise not vote for the presidential candidate,” the source revealed.
The choice having been made, party gurus close to the flagbearer, aware of the decision, have started printing campaign paraphernalia with Akufo-Addo and Bawumia embossed on them.
One such insider is Chairman Wadie, who has branded his Mercedes Benz salon car with an Akufu-Addo-Bawumia sticker with the caption “Victory 2012” emblazoned on the bonnet.
Meanwhile, notwithstanding the fact that the choice has been made, The Ghanaian Lens has learnt that there is a strong lobby going in the party for Akufo-Ado to change his mind on Bawumia so as to replace him with a more thoroughbred NPP person. The Ghanaian Lens has learnt that those pushing for Bawumia to be dropped are citing the fact that since the party lost election in 2008, Bawumia has not been seen publicly championing the cause of the party.
Source: The Ghanaian Lens