The Campaign Manager of the Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Campaign Team, Frederick Opare-Ansah, has described discussions surrounding the choice of a running mate for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer as premature.

Speaking in an interview on Eyewitness News on Monday, February 2, 2026, Mr. Opare-Ansah said the selection of a running mate is a strategic political decision that must be handled with caution and at the appropriate time.

“My view on this running mate matter is that it is early days yet. In considering your choice of running mate, per my experience, you may want to consider who is even leading the other political party. At least you need to let that happen before you even start a conversation about running mate,” he stated.

He compared the process to a game of chess, emphasising the importance of patience and careful calculation.

“It is just like playing the game of Chess; once you make a move, you wait for your opponent to also make his. You don’t just start showing all your hands. So it is important that we shelve the discussion about who will be running mate at this time,” he added.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the NPP’s flagbearer after defeating four other aspirants in the party’s presidential primaries held on Saturday, January 31, 2026.