The 2024 Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has declared unwavering support for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the party prepares for the 2026 presidential election.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Dr. Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, addressed criticisms suggesting he may be shifting his political allegiance.

He insisted that he remains firmly behind Dr. Bawumia, whom he described as the best candidate to lead the NPP into the next election.

“I still support Bawumia 100%. Being an ingrate doesn’t pay,” he stressed, noting that his selection as Bawumia’s running mate in 2024 was a show of trust and defiance of pressure from within the party.

According to Dr. Prempeh, some influential figures lobbied against his nomination, but Dr. Bawumia “defied all odds” to choose him.

“There are some bigwigs who even went to Bawumia to tell him not to choose me, but he still picked me. I am not an ingrate,” he emphasized.

Dr. Prempeh also clarified his relationship with other leading figures within the party, particularly Kennedy Agyapong, whom he described as a “friend and big brother.” However, he maintained that his loyalty remains with Dr. Bawumia.

“If after he [Bawumia] wins again, he should go and think deeply about who he wants to make running mate,” Napo said, suggesting that the decision should always remain Bawumia’s prerogative.

Drawing on an Akan proverb, Dr. Prempeh likened Dr. Bawumia to a peacock, saying his standout qualities naturally attract attention and, by extension, criticism.

“Why do you think there are all sorts of attacks and propaganda against him? It’s because he stands out tall,” he added.

The former Education Minister reaffirmed his belief that Dr. Bawumia represents the party’s best chance of victory in 2028, citing his vision, resilience, and ability to command broad support.