Mahama Reportedly Abandons Naana Jane – Hunts For New Running Mate As Pressure Mounts From Party Bigwigs

According to sources close to Former President John Mahama, there is an intense search for a replacement for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who was running mate to the former president in the 2020 general election.

To find a suitable candidate, this portal has learned that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is conducting a listening survey among its delegates to determine the most favored running mate for Mahama.

However, this decision has caused a sharp division within Mahama’s inner circles, as some continue to support the former Education Minister’s candidature from Mahama’s previous administration.

Supporters advocating for the removal of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang argue that she made little impact on the NDC’s election ticket, as the party lost the presidential votes in her home region, Central Region.

Another group is suggesting that since the leadership of Parliament already has a strong representation from the Central Region, it is crucial to consider candidates from other regions to gain more support and votes.

During a recent wreath-laying ceremony for the late President John Evans Atta Mills at the Asomdwe Park, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was absent, reportedly being out of the country for a medical check-up.

However, she was present at Mills’ memorial lecture at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on the previous day.

As the NDC aims to broaden its consultative process in selecting a running mate for Mahama, prominent figures within the party have emerged as potential candidates.

Notable names include former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; former Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority, Sylvester Mensah; and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Joshua Alabi.

Others under consideration are former BOST Managing Director, Kingsley Kwame Awuah Darko; former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Alex Kofi Mould; and former Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Eric Opoku, who has the support of Lordina Mahama.

The unexpected news of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s exclusion from the presidential ticket has sparked speculation within political circles.

To gauge the preferred choice of its delegates for Mahama’s vice presidential candidate, the NDC is currently conducting an internal survey.

The said nationwide listening survey is to gather opinions and preferences from its delegates regarding the selection of the running mate for former President John Dramani Mahama. It remains unclear whether Mahama fully supports the survey, given that his inner circles are mostly in favor of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang.

Political analysts suggest that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s withdrawal may indicate Mahama’s openness to exploring other options for his vice presidential candidate. The specific reasons for her exclusion have not been disclosed, but it is expected that Mahama will carefully consider the survey results before making his final decision.

With the 2024 general elections on the horizon, the NDC, led by Mahama, is gearing up for a significant electoral battle. The selection of the vice presidential candidate is considered crucial in shaping the party’s campaign strategy and appealing to voters.

The final decision on the vice presidential candidate is anticipated to be announced in the coming weeks, after thorough deliberation and consideration of the survey results.

Given that Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is unlikely to be in the running, the NDC and its supporters are eager to know the survey’s outcome, which will shape the party’s leadership and electoral prospects in the upcoming elections.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com