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Dr. Arthur Kennedy, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has questioned Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, often known as Napo, as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running partner, claiming that the selection could make the party less appealing in the run-up to the general election in 2028.
Dr. Kennedy stated on Joy FM’s AM Show that he did not think Napo was the greatest choice to collaborate with the former vice president, noting issues with his previous political rhetoric and public stance.
Dr. Kennedy said, “I don’t think he was a good running mate. Of course, you can always say maybe this time around he will be better. But the last time, his Kwame Nkrumah comments and all those kinds of things were alienating.”
Dr. Kennedy, a physician and seasoned NPP political veteran, made the remarks in the midst of internal debates concerning strategy, leadership, and image in the wake of Dr. Bawumia’s triumph in the party’s January 31 presidential primary.
After winning the internal vote, Dr. Bawumia became the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2028 general election, paving the way for early discussions about the campaign’s course and potential running mates.
Dr. Kennedy acknowledged Napo’s political background and character, but speculated that a wider range of voters might not find resonance in the former Energy and Education Minister’s prior public remarks and affiliations.
“I like Napo. He’s a very interesting person, but if I were Dr Bawumia, I would seriously consider whether other people would help me better,” he stated.
He contended that in order to win back supporters, the NPP needs new faces and innovative ideas, particularly after holding office for two terms in a row and coming under fire for issues with governance and the economy.
He said “I think it helps to give them new faces and new ideas. Having said that, which is part of why I think Dr Bawumia himself has a problem, he doubles down on it when he picks somebody who is also a very familiar face of the last government.”
Source: newsthemegh.com
