The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has granted its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia more time to consult and choose a running mate for the 2024 election.

This was announced by the General Secretary of the party, Justin Frimpong Kodua, at a press conference in Accra.

Dr Bawumia had a deadline to submit his choice of a running mate to the governing party's highest decision-making body today – December 6.

However, in the last hour, the party confirmed the NPP flagbearer was unable to meet that constitutionally imposed deadline. 

Read also: https://www.myjoyonline.com/bawumia-asks-for-more-time-to-choose-running-mate/

An emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee and the National Council took place today to consider whether or not to give the Vice President more time.

In the end, the decision was emphatic, with consultation still not complete, and lobbying still in full swing, the Vice President has been given more time to ponder over his choice and submit his decision.

However, no deadline was issued for the extension.

In line with our constitution, particularly regarding article 13 (32)- ‘the vice presidential candidate shall be a known and active member for at least five years and shall be nominated by the presidential candidate at least 12 months before general elections when the party is not in government or the president is not the candidate.

“However, upon request from the presidential candidate that because his election was done on the 4th of November 2023, he needs a bit of time to continue with his consultation before he brings the proposed name for running mate to the National Council and this was unanimously agreed by the National Council,” Mr Frimpong Kodua confirmed.