One of the leading candidates in the flagbearer race of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) , Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has fired salvos at arch-rival Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen.
He chided the former Trade and Industry Minister, his fiercest rival in the contest, that most of his men have defected to his (Bawumia’s) camp.
During a campaign event on Sunday, June 18, 2023, Dr Bawumia emphasized that key members from the campaign team of Alan Kyerematen, including former Member of Parliament for Suhum Frederick Opare Ansah, have joined his team.
He asserted that their decision reflects their belief in his ability to lead the party to success.
Dr Bawumia further stated that he is the sole candidate who can unite the NPP and secure victory in the upcoming 2024 elections.
“You know that I have defended this party and the person who is most likely to beat the NDC and break the eight.”
“I’m also a unifier of this party. I have two godfathers in this party – President JA Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.”
“I can work with everybody at this party… as you know, Opare Ansah is here, he used to be Alan’s major operations director – major! major! He is now with me. Kofi Jamasi is with me, isn’t he?”
“So many (are with me now) because they know that I have a big plan. I’m interested in people who can help the party, I don’t care about factionalism. I’m a person who is a unifier… I can work with the old and the young, I can work with the north, east, south and west. I don’t believe in tribalism. I can work with Christians and Muslims,” he said.
The vice president is expected to face tough competition from other notable contenders, including former Minister for Trade and Industry Alan Kyerematen, Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong, former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and seven other candidates, in the race for the NPP flagbearership position.