Bawumia NPP Vs Mahama NDC: Timelines of Naming 2024 Running

There is no official timeline for when NDC flagbearer John Mahama and NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia are likely to name their running mate for the 2024 election but there is pressure on them to do so soon.

Some political analysts speculate that Mahama could make an announcement as early as the end of 2023 but others believe that he may wait until closer to the election in 2024.

Atta Mills picked Mahama as his running mate end of March 2008 while Mahamudu Bawumia was picked by Akufo-Addo in August 2008.

In 2020, Mahama announced Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang as Running mate in July.

Some of the names that are said to be in a 2024 final shortlist as Mahama No. 2 among senior decision-makers of NDC include the 2020 Running Mate, Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, Former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah; Former CEO of BOST/TOR, Kingsley Awuah Darko and Ex-Police Chief Retired COP Nathan Kofi Boakye.

A last name mentioned to this portal is NDC Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah who has told close sources including Mahama “not to rule him out” if the permutations favour him.

While Mahama may be considering maintaining 79-year-old Literature Professor, Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang as his running mate for 2024, some close advisors strongly doubt her capacity after a poor showing in 2020 in her home region.

There is increasing pressure for Mahama to choose a more charismatic Akyem or Ashanti Running Mate before Bawumia does. The name of retired Commissioner of Police (COP) Nathan Kofi Boakye two months ago emerged as a strong Contender for the NDC Vice Presidential slot.

Bawumia early List

For Bawumia, some say it is too early for him to announce who will be his running mate for the next election because the party just concluded its presidential primaries.

However, already some list of individuals considered to be potential candidates for running mate have been making the rounds since his victory in the primaries.

The names include Opoku Onyinah, former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost; Minister of Energy and Manhyia MP Mathew Opoku Prempeh; Joe Osei Owusu MP for Bekwai and Deputy Speaker; Chief of Staff Frema Opare; Ejisu MP and Deputy Finance Minister John Kumah and Communication Minister Ursula Owusu, among others.

Bawumia will likely choose a running mate from the Ashanti Region who can help him to win the election. Bawumia is also expected to balance the interests of different factions within the NPP in his choice.