The opposition National Democratic Congress joined the chorus of some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party, arguing against the selection of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as the ideal partner to Nana Akufo-Addo. Alex Segbefia, Campaign Coordinator of the NDC told Joy News, even though the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana is a fine gentleman and a distinguished banker, his inexperience in politics would affect the NPP. He said, unlike NDC’s vice presidential candidate, John Mahama, who is well known in the country, that of the NPP is not even known by his own party members, a situation he said would be a big blow to the NPP’s chances of retaining power. He said it would be a “wishful thinking” for the NPP to compare the prowess of the two running mates. “In this climate of politics, the fact that you are known is quite crucial, on that basis, I will say that the choice of Dr. Bawumia three months to a general elections would not favour the NPP, it could actually be detrimental,” Alex Segbefia cautioned. He further noted that the 2008 elections would be closely contested for, which makes the choice of a running mate extremely crucial; and incumbent on him to make his party’s ticket attractive. “The choice of Dr. Bawumia does not do that, while the choice of Mahama does that for the NDC”. He said the NPP needs to spend time marketing their vice presidential candidate, whom, he claimed cannot campaign on his own without the support of the presidential candidate. “Look at the NDC campaign, we have a flag-bearer who goes out on his own, no problem, we have a running mate who has demonstrated clearly that he can go out on his own in any region of the country and get the reaction that you would expect, even of a presidential candidate.” Mr. Segbefia said his party is not the least perturbed by the NPP’s choice, and would carry on with their campaign strategy without effecting any changes to it. Story by Isaac Essel