A political aide to Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Mr. Akwasi Nti, has publicly warned newly elected New Patriotic Party flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia against considering any change to his running mate ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The former Fomena constituency chairman declared that Dr. Bawumia “dares not” replace Dr. Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, cautioning that loyalists would fiercely resist any such move within the party.
Mr. Nti’s comments, captured in a viral video widely circulated across traditional and social media platforms, showed him issuing a strongly worded caution.
“Let Dr Bawumia dare change Napo and he will see. How many times did Akufo Addo select him for him to dump Napo on first account? He will see,” he said during an interview, expressing visible anger.
The footage has since ignited heated discussions among party supporters and political observers.
In the same interview, Mr. Nti vowed that he and other supporters of Dr. Opoku Prempeh would make the political environment uncomfortable for Dr. Bawumia should he ignore their demands.
“We will never allow Dr. Bawumia to change Napo, he dares not,” he added.
Analysts warn that such threats could deepen internal tensions within the NPP at a time when party leaders have been calling for unity and strategic rebuilding after recent electoral setbacks.
The controversy has been further complicated by Mr. Nti’s political history during the just-ended presidential primaries, where he served as a campaign coordinator for Kennedy Agyapong in the Adansi enclave and was reportedly involved in fierce criticism of Dr. Bawumia.
Observers are now questioning why Dr. Opoku Prempeh did not publicly distance himself from Mr. Nti’s earlier attacks and whether the ongoing rhetoric could undermine reconciliation efforts within the party.
Although Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has kept his choice of running mate confidential since his election two weeks ago, several individuals and groups associated with the former running mate have intensified public advocacy for Dr. Prempeh’s re-nomination.
Reports suggest that some loyalists have resorted to strong rhetoric and pressure tactics, drawing criticism from party members who believe such actions risk damaging the NPP’s public image.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
