A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Stephen Atubiga has admonished the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) against denying Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the party’s presidential candidature for the 2024 elections.
According to Mr. Atubiga, the Vice President must be awarded with the party’s presidential candidature for his loyalty and hard work which contributed greatly to the victories of the ruling party in the last two elections.
His remarks come on the back of suggestion by Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu that the next presidential candidate of the party should be selected based on consensus. Mr. Kyei-Mensah Bonsu believes the selection of the party’s Flagbearer for the 2024 election based on consensus will ensure unity in the party and prevent the electoral fortunes of the party from further dwindling.
But Mr. Atubiga views the suggestion as a plot to deny the Vice President a chance to lead the governing party. In his opinion, the NPP will be betraying Dr. Bawumia, if it fails to give him an opportunity to lead the party for the next election.
“What am I hearing NPP trying to do in choosing a presidential candidate after Nana? NPP must not betray Bawumia like they did to Aliu. He deserves loyalty and hardworking reward to face me 2024,” he stated in a post on social media.
Mr. Atubiga who is hopeful of leading the opposition NDC for the 2024 general elections added “I have been craving so bad in facing Bawumia in the 2024 presidential election as I would be taking over from JDM finishing his last term in office on January 7, 20025. The Justices must do the needful. Time will tell”.
There are already internal campaigns in the quest to find a replacement for Presidential Akufo-Addo who can no longer seek re-election in the ruling party.
Supporters of failed Flagbearership Aspirant and Trade and Industry Minister Designate, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen and that of Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia have started open campaigns on social over who replaces President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the party’s presidential candidate.
But critics of the governing party claim though the Vice President has carved a niche for himself, he, just like former Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, will not be given an opportunity to lead the elephant party because of his Northern origin.
Their claim has been reinforced by an article authored by former constituency executive of the party, E.G Buckman arguing among others that Dr. Bawumia is not fit to lead the party as result of ethnicity and religion.
