Speculation that Dr Bryan Acheampong’s strong performance in the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s flagbearer contest could place him in pole position for the running mate slot has been dismissed by the camp of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to the NPP flagbearer, said finishing second in the contest does not form part of the criteria for selecting a vice-presidential candidate.

“The selection of the mate is purely the prerogative of the candidate in consultation with the National Council,” he said on Channel1 TV on Sunday.

His comments follow growing discussion, particularly on social media, that Dr Acheampong’s showing in the race has strengthened his chances of being considered as Dr Bawumia’s running mate ahead of the 2028 general elections.

According to Mr Aboagye, several factors are considered in the choice of a running mate, but placement in the internal contest is not one of them.

“There are several criteria that come into play. One of them does not include becoming second or third in the contest,” he said.

He stressed that all aspirants who contested alongside Dr Bawumia remain eligible for consideration, but not because of their position in the race.

“All the aspirants we ran with Dr Bawumia are people who could actually be running mates, but not because they ran with him and they were second or third or fourth,” he said.

Mr Aboagye said the final decision rests with Dr Bawumia, working with the party’s National Council, and will be guided by indicators aimed at securing victory for the party.

“It is a prerogative of the candidate in consultation with the National Council,” he said, adding that “when the time is due, the indicators will be used to ensure that the right person, the best person, is selected to run with Dr Bawumia to give us the outcome that we want as a party.”

Dr Bawumia was officially declared the winner of the NPP flagbearer contest by the Electoral Commission after securing 56.48 per cent of the total votes cast, earning him the party’s ticket for the 2028 general elections.

His closest contender, former Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong, placed second with 46,554 votes, representing 23.76 per cent.