Eastern Regional executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have expressed concern about recent development on the choice of a running mate to partner Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the NPP flagbearer, in Election 2012. They have appealed to the rank and file of the party to stay calm for the announcement of the running mate to be made by the flagbearer. A press release signed by the Regional chairman, Dr Samuel Annor, copied to the Ghana News Agency on Friday, said since 1992, the choice of a running mate has remained the prerogative of the flagbearer in consultation with the National Council. He said Article 12 sub-section B of the party’s Constitution is clear in how a running mate is chosen. Dr Annor called on all interested groups in the NPP to respect that constitutional provision, to maintain the prevailing unity and peace in the party since the constitution of the party supersedes all arrangements and conventions in the party. He said: “until such a time that the above arrangement would be altered, all well-meaning party followers and supporters must remain committed to the above provision in the constitution”. Dr Annor said as much as party members and supporters recognized the importance attached to the choice of a running mate by the party’s leadership and tradition, this should be the time to support the flagbearer, encourage him and allow him to exercise crisp political wisdom in the choice of a partner that would ensure a resounding victory for the party in 2012. He said: “The element of a contest being unfortunately introduced into the exercise is unnecessary and unacceptable”. Dr Annor said the Regional branch of the party had confidence in the political experience and wisdom of the flagbearer to make the right choice “We indeed, appreciate the interest and enthusiasm the matter has elicited amongst the party’s rank and file. However, the untoward pressure being hurled at the flagbearer is completely out of place and should be stopped forthwith in order to safeguard the existing harmony and enviable unity being enjoyed by the party”, Dr Annor appealed .