A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Arthur Kennedy, has raised concerns over the potential selection of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, as running mate to Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, warning that the choice could undermine the party’s appeal ahead of the 2028 general election.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Dr Kennedy said he did not consider Napo the best option to partner with the former vice president, citing issues with his past public posture and political messaging.
“I don’t think he was a good running mate,” Dr Kennedy said. “Of course, you can always say maybe this time around he will be better. But the last time, his Kwame Nkrumah comments and all those kinds of things were alienating.”
Dr Kennedy, a physician and long-time NPP activist, made the remarks amid ongoing party discussions on strategy, leadership, and image following Dr Bawumia’s victory in the party’s January 31 presidential primaries. Dr Bawumia secured the NPP flagbearer position for the 2028 general election, prompting early debates over potential running mate options.
While acknowledging Napo’s political experience and personality, Dr Kennedy suggested the former Energy and Education Minister’s previous statements and associations may not appeal to a wider segment of voters.
“I like Napo. He’s a very interesting person,” he said. “But if I were Dr Bawumia, I would seriously consider whether other people would help me better.”
He argued that the NPP needs fresh faces and new ideas to reconnect with voters, especially after two consecutive terms in government and criticisms over economic and governance challenges.
“I think it helps to give them new faces and new ideas,” Dr Kennedy added. “Having said that, which is part of why I think Dr Bawumia himself has a problem, he doubles down on it when he picks somebody who is also a very familiar face of the last government.”
