The Head of the Political Science Department at the University of Ghana, Dr Alidu Seidu, has proposed that the opposition National Democratic Congress’ flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, should consider an Akan as his running mate for the 2024 election.

He explained that this is necessary “because of the dominance of the Akan votes and the significant contribution the Akan vote can make to the NDC's victory in 2024 election.”

In an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, December 14, Dr Seidu said although the Volta region, Oti region and the five regions of the north have almost always been the backbone of the NDC, their votes alone will still make it difficult for the NDC to win an election.

“So, I think a lot of people are calling for him to look beyond the Volta region and go to maybe an Akan-dominated region. The running mate should be an Akan either from the Ashanti region or any of the Akan-speaking regions,” he told Evans Mensah.

He noted that in choosing the running mate, the NDC should consider someone who could automatically continue in leadership considering that Mr Mahama has just one term left if he wins the polls.

Dr Seidu's comments come at a time pressure is pilling on Mr Mahama to choose his running mate.

During Mr Mahama’s campaign tour in the Bono and Western North regions, some traditional leaders made requests on who Mr Mahama should consider for the role.

Also, some NDC youth groups in the Volta and Oti regions are demanding that the former President selects his running mate from the region known to be the NDC’s stronghold.

Commenting on the lobbying, Dr Seidu said the trend of traditional rulers lobbying for an indigene from their various regions could be based on the fact that they hope the regions would benefit greatly in terms of development.

He also shared that the individual who is being lobbied for, also deems it appropriate to lobby through the traditional rulers due to the respect they command.

Meanwhile, the NDC flagbearer has stated that the preferred candidate will be selected in February 2024.

“I don’t choose a running mate alone. Myself, together with the Functional Executive Committee and Council of Elders, pick from a list and decide on one person,” he pointed out.

He urged those appealing for their preferred candidates to exercise restraint.

“I would pray for your patience, as we all know that God grants the King and the NDC doesn’t discriminate."

Mr Mahama was partnered by Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang in the 2020 election, and there are suggestions she may be retained, although others want to see a new face.