A group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) executives, grassroots members, and supporters advocating for the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has issued a passionate plea for his autonomy in selecting his running mate without undue influence.

Named the Patriotic Movement for Bawumia, the group urged Dr. Bawumia to resist external pressures from various party factions pushing for their preferred candidates as his running mate.

According to a report from Dailyguidenetwork.com, during a press conference in Kumasi, the group criticized certain party factions' activities and tactics, including press conferences, persistent delegations to Dr. Bawumia, petitions, and threatening remarks in the media.

They stressed that such actions undermine Dr. Bawumia’s leadership and autonomy, suggesting a lack of confidence in his ability to independently decide on his running mate.

"We are advising our flag-bearer, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia not to succumb to any individual or group pressure to select a running mate against his own choice," the group stated.

They warned against manipulating Dr. Bawumia into choosing a running mate based on narrow interests, highlighting the potential negative impact on the party's electoral prospects.

The group emphasized the importance of unity within the NPP and cautioned against the risks of disunity and long-standing divisions within the party if external pressures influence Dr. Bawumia's decision-making process.

They urged party members not to use tactics aimed at imposing a candidate on Dr. Bawumia, stressing that selecting a running mate is solely the prerogative of the flagbearer.

Regarding recent endorsements for specific individuals as Dr. Bawumia's running mate, the group urged Dr. Bawumia to disregard such endorsements, highlighting his autonomy and leadership role within the party.

They reiterated their support for Dr. Bawumia's leadership and called for unity and collaboration within the NPP to secure victory in the upcoming presidential election.

"We are humbly advising our flag-bearer, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia not to allow any individual or groups to compel or lure him into choosing a running mate against his actual or real choice.

"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 to break the eight," the group declared.