I'll Pick Bawumia Again - Akufo-Addo Announces

Lead contender in the New Patriotic Party flagbearer race, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has revealed Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will be his running mate if given the nod to lead the party in 2016 presidential elections. Nana Akufo-Addo made the revelation when he arrived in the Upper West Region to open his campaign for the National Delegates' Conference on October 18. The 2008 and 2012 presidential candidate of the NPP was joined by his running mate in both elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The two arrived at the Upper West Regional capital, Wa, Monday afternoon. He drove straight to the Upland Hotel where the 32 delegates who gave him an overwhelming endorsement in the Super Delegates' Conference in August were waiting for him. �He is currently locked in a meeting with them [delegates]. Nana Adobo is expected to pass the night there before moving to the Upper East Region tomorrow [Tuesday]�. Nana Akufo-Addo also expressed regret about violence that tainted activities in the run-up to the Super Delegates' Conference. The violence that saw party supporters wielding guns and machetes was in response to alleged malfeasance by party General Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong and Chairman Paul Afoko. In the August 31 Supper Delegates' Conference, Nana Akufo-Addo polled 80.78% of all 740 votes cast. That election was held to trim the number of flagbearer aspirants from seven to five. Akufo-Addo's closest contender Alan Kyerematen obtained 59 votes representing 7.98 per cent. Francis Addai Nimoh and Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joe Ghartey both obtained 22 votes each which is 2.98per cent of total votes cast, while Kofi Osei Ameyaw managed 16 votes (2.17%) to pick up the last ticket to the October 18 national delegates� conference. Former Information Minister Stephen Asamoah Boateng (13 votes) and former Trade Minister Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku (10 votes) dropped out of the race with 1.76% and 1.35% respectively. The October 18 National Delegates Conference will bring more than 140,000 delegates across the country together to elect a leader for general elections in 2016.