An attempt to rally support for Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, to retain his position as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate for the 2028 presidential election has sparked mixed reactions among New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters.
The debate gained momentum after the Ashanti Regional Director of Communications of the NPP, Dr Keskine Osei Poku, reportedly endorsed NAPO for another opportunity to partner Dr Bawumia.
According to Faky3 TV, Dr Osei Poku argued that the former Education Minister had improved since the 2024 election and deserved to remain on the ticket.
“Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh is a better person today than he was in 2024 and must go with Dr Bawumia,” he was quoted as saying.
However, the endorsement has triggered a debate among party supporters, with some questioning whether retaining NAPO would improve the NPP’s chances of returning to power in 2028.
Critics have pointed to some of his remarks during the 2024 campaign, arguing that they may have damaged the party’s electoral prospects and affected Dr Bawumia’s chances.
These remain opinions expressed by supporters rather than established findings about the causes of the party’s defeat.
One commenter, Francis Larweh, dismissed the push to retain NAPO, writing: “A decorated monkey can never be a leopard. It is still a monkey.”
Others, however, have defended the former Manhyia South MP, insisting that he deserves another opportunity to serve as Dr Bawumia’s running mate.
In a comment attributed to him, Obiba Blak argued that NAPO’s position should not be up for debate, drawing a comparison with President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to retain Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate.
“NAPO is already maintained. If Mahama maintained Jean Naana for two consecutive times even when she doesn’t have any good track records and today, she’s a Vice President, then NAPO’s ticket is not debatable,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, other names have emerged in the ongoing discussion about who should partner with Dr Bawumia in the next election.
Dr Ayew Afriyie, the Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, has been touted by some as a potential candidate for the position.
Former Education Minister and Bosomtwe MP Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has also been mentioned as a possible alternative.
The debate highlights the competing considerations facing the NPP as it prepares for the 2028 general election, including regional representation, political experience, public appeal, and the ability to strengthen the party’s electoral prospects.
Ultimately, the choice of running mate will rest with Dr Bawumia, in consultation with relevant party stakeholders.
For now, the growing disagreement among supporters suggests that the question of whether NAPO should retain the position could remain a contentious issue as the party positions itself for another electoral contest.
