A group calling itself 'Patriotic Movement for Dr. Bawumia' is appalled by the needless pressure being mounted  on Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia by lobbyists to select their preferred choice as running mate.

According to the group, the use of the media in lobbying for their candidates may weaken the party's structures.

At a press conference in Kumasi, the group urged party members to turn their attention towards campaigning for the party so it can retain power.

Convener for the group, James Aggrey Fiifi Eshun said, "it is sad to note that the NPP members who could have been vigorously campaigning for our flagbearer, are at this crucial moment, busily exerting all their energies on adopting various strategies to force a running mate on Dr. Bawumia.

"This is absurd and must be condemned by all persons who mean well for the party”.

With Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia positioned as the party's flagbearer and various preparatory measures underway, such as the establishment of campaign teams, attention is now directed towards the pivotal task of selecting a running mate.

This decision has sparked intense lobbying within the party, particularly within the Ashanti Region.

Analysts frequently mention several individuals as potential candidates, including Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Joseph Osei Owusu, and esteemed clergyman and former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Prof. Opoku Onyinah.

Furthermore, Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare and Communications Minister Ursula Owusu Ekulful have emerged as notable contenders in the running mate selection process for Dr. Bawumia.

But the Patriotic Movement believes the means adopted in lobbying for candidates could affect internal cohesion.

Mr. Eshun further warned persons interested in the role of running mate to desist from sponsoring groups to lobby in their favor.

”Some of the people whose names have popped up as being interested in being Dr. Bawumia’s running mate have been accused of sponsoring people to hold press conferences and sign petitions to forcefully cause our flagbearer, Dr. Bawumia, to make them his running mate. This childish and odd way of operating in the NPP, if true, must be condemned in no uncertain terms.

"Selecting a running mate is the prerogative of the flagbearer and under no circumstances must he or she be made to choose a running mate under duress.

"Furthermore, this weak means of getting a person to become a running mate has never been the NPP’s style. It is too disgracing and must cease forthwith”, the Patriotic Movement for Bawumia cautioned.

The group further advised Dr. Bawumia to be the ‘man with his own vision’ they have known him to be, and be bold enough to select a running mate he considers fit to run the 2024 presidential race with.

“Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is his 'own man', let us allow him to select someone he has tested and finds capable of helping him lead the NPP break the eight and consequently directing the next NPP government to continue to bring the needed development for our beloved country, Ghana”.