Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has expressed concern over what he sees as an uneven playing field within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of its next presidential primaries.
The running mate of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 elections argued that allowing certain individuals to begin campaigning unofficially undermines party unity and erodes the spirit of cooperation expected among potential candidates.
In particular, NAPO took issue with the party’s decision to allow Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to address a major gathering, while others with similar ambitions were sidelined.
“People have said it was very unfair for the party to allow Dr. Bawumia to speak when others who are supposedly going to be running with him were not given the opportunity,” NAPO said during an interview.
He went on to question the integrity of the process, suggesting that the party may already be favouring certain aspirants.
“It looks like the party is even considering them already because I heard they had a meeting with the people who want to run. So I mean the party is already giving them room to operate,” he remarked. “If the party is, then it is wrong.”
Now in opposition, NAPO cautioned that any premature endorsements or backdoor arrangements could damage the party’s credibility in the eyes of the public and its grassroots. He also expressed doubt about whether some early frontrunners would ultimately remain in the race.
“I’m not sure some of the people who have indicated they will run would even run when the time comes,” he said. “Who knows tomorrow?”
