A political analyst with the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, has cast doubts over the authenticity of a purported report coming from the National Intelligence Bureau’s (NIB) outfit predicting Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the preferred running mate for Dr. Bawumia.
According to the report, the Energy Minister is leading the closest preferred candidate, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, by over 60 per cent, something the political analyst says is not does not look real.
He told Alfred Ocansey on Ghana Tonight Wednesday, June 19, 2024, that the outcome of the report makes it less scientific and artificial.
“So, if I’m supposed to put a premium on this particular survey based upon the premise that I have given, then I will say that it is a bit doubtful and it does not really represent the reality on the ground. Because the question that ought to be answered is the fact that is the survey trying to suggest to us that in terms of popularity, in terms of grassroot politics, grassroot organisation and other things, Dr. Napo is over 60 something per cent ahead of the current Education Minister and even over 70 per cent over that of the former Majority Leader?
“Looking at the whooping gap between Dr. Napo and the rest of the contenders, it looks too artificial for me and less scientific,” he stated.
Background
A research allegedly coming from the quarters of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) stated that majority of members belonging to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prefer Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flag bearer.
The survey engaged 5,116 NPP delegates nationwide, including national, regional, constituency, and polling station executives. According to the study, Dr. Opoku Prempeh secured 76.2% of the responses from executives polled.
Following him was the Minister of Education and MP for the Bosomtwe, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, who garnered 10.16%.
Other notable personalities the delegates consider for the role include Apostle Dr. Opoku Onyinah, former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, and Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Agriculture who is also the MP for Abetifi.
According to the alleged NIB report, the majority of respondents approximately 84%, believed that Mr Opoku Prempeh is the ideal running mate for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia due to his charisma and popularity among party members.
Meanwhile, the survey also reveals that there was a strong consensus that the running mate should be selected from the Ashanti Region.
Nonetheless, in its recommendation, NIB warned the flag bearer to be cautious of selecting Dr Prempeh.
“Given Dr Prempeh’s current role as the Minister of Energy, the ongoing power crises in Ghana could impact his candidacy. Therefore, the government may need to implement necessary measures to solidify his competence in managing the energy sector, thereby enhancing the party’s prospects in the 2024 general elections,” the report contained.
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