Several leading members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are reportedly lobbying to be selected as the running mate to the party’s 2028 presidential flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, as early manoeuvring intensifies within the opposition party.
Multiple party sources told The Herald that the contest to partner Dr Bawumia on the 2028 ticket has triggered behind-the-scenes lobbying, with some aspirants positioning themselves aggressively despite limited grassroots or parliamentary support.
Frederick Opare-Ansah, campaign manager for the NPP flagbearer, has urged party members to slow down discussions about potential running mates for the 2028 general elections, calling them premature and a distraction.
One name frequently mentioned in internal party discussions is that of Mr Annoh Dompreh, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam-Adoagyiri in the Eastern Region, whose ambition to become a vice-presidential candidate is described by some party insiders as unrealistic and politically isolated.
Also making the rounds is Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, the MP for Effiduase/Asokore in the Ashanti Region. Others also believe that Bawumia should repeat his 2024 running mate, Dr Mathhew Opoku Prempeh, alias “Napo”, a former Energy Minister who also served as Minister of Education under the Akufo-Addo government.
Interestingly, while “Napo” is believed to have matured through his 2024 experience, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, owner of Ghanaweb, is regarded as abrasive and is thought to have made significant money from his health-sector trading to support the ticket.
According to senior NPP figures who spoke to The Herald, Mr Dompreh’s efforts to project himself as a potential running mate have failed to gain traction among key power brokers within the party, leading to what one source described as a “desperate last-ditch push” to remain politically relevant
Some MPs allege that Mr Dompreh, previously regarded by colleagues as financially conservative, has, in recent months, begun distributing funds to bloggers, communicators, and selected MPs to manufacture public support and portray himself as a national leader.
“There is surprise within the caucus,” one MP said.
“Someone who was known to be extremely tight-fisted has suddenly become generous, sponsoring media commentary and lobbying MPs to push a narrative that he is leadership material.”
Party insiders insist, however, that such tactics are unlikely to influence Dr Bawumia’s eventual choice of a running mate, which they say will be guided by electoral strategy, regional balance, competence and loyalty rather than media hype or financial inducements.
The NPP leadership has not officially opened the process for selecting a vice-presidential candidate, and no formal endorsements have been made. Dr Bawumia himself has remained tight-lipped on the matter.
Analysts say the early jostling reflects growing anxiety among some politicians who fear being sidelined as the party begins its transition towards the 2028 general elections.
For now, the race remains unofficial, fluid and largely speculative, with party elders urging restraint and discipline as the NPP seeks to rebuild unity ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Mr Opare-Ansah described discussions surrounding the choice of a running mate for the NPP flagbearer as premature.
In an interview with Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Monday, 2 February 2026, Mr Opare-Ansah said the selection of a running mate is a strategic political decision that must be handled with caution and at the appropriate time.
“My view on this running mate matter is that it is early days yet. In considering your choice of running mate, per my experience, you may want to consider who is even leading the other political party. At least you need to let that happen before you even start a conversation about running mate,” he stated.
He compared the process to a game of chess, emphasising the importance of patience and careful calculation.
“It is just like playing the game of Chess; once you make a move, you wait for your opponent to also make his. You don’t just start showing all your hands. So it is important that we shelve the discussion about who will be running mate at this time,” he added.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the NPP’s flagbearer after defeating four other aspirants in the party’s presidential primaries held on Saturday, January 31
Speaking again on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on the same subject, Mr Opare-Ansah said the party’s immediate focus should be on rebuilding after a bruising political season, not on ticket balancing.
“It is way too early to have conversations about a running mate. Our biggest challenge now is to reorganise. We must be patient,” he stated.
He emphasised that any decision on a vice-presidential candidate must be strategic, taking into account the political environment at the time, including the identity and strength of the opposition’s flagbearer.
“We do not even know who the NDC will bring. In choosing a running mate, it is a strategic move. Depending on their candidate, you need to choose from a prime area, otherwise it can affect you,” he explained.
Mr Opare-Ansah also noted that history shows running mates are usually selected much closer to elections, citing former President John Dramani Mahama’s timeline as an example.
“Mahama was elected candidate in May 2023, but he chose his running mate in 2024. Mostly, we elect the running mate in the election year. So nobody should stampede Dr Bawumia and the party into choosing now,” he said.
Beyond ticket-related considerations, the campaign manager acknowledged that the NPP faces deeper internal challenges that require urgent attention. He observed that the party’s public image has suffered and needs careful repair before any major electoral calculations are made.
“The party is not in good shape. We must put our house in order. Our public image has been eroded. The Danquah–Busia–Kufuor NPP is not the same, and there is a lot that is not going well,” Mr Opare-Ansah remarked.
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