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The New Patriotic Party has warned all groups or persons lobbying and campaigning to have their preferred candidate chosen as the running mate of the party�s flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to desist or face the prescribed sanctions A statement signed by Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, NPP General Secretary and copied to citifmonline.com, said the party �at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on 24th May, 2011, decided that no individual or group of persons should be heard or seen to be canvassing for a particular person to be chosen as the Running Mate of Nana Akufo-Addo the Flagbearer of NPP.� The statement indicated that the party had guidelines on how and when to choose a running mate, pointing out that the position of running mate was not an elective one requiring campaigning and canvassing of votes. �We wish to assure our teeming supporters that, these guidelines would be diligently followed and an appropriate, suitable and acceptable person would be announced as Running Mate by the 2nd quarter of 2012�, the statement said. Below is the full statement: THE CHOICE OF A RUNNING MATE At a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on 24th May, 2011, it was decided that no individual or group of persons should be heard or seen to be canvassing for a particular person to be chosen as the Running Mate of Nana Akufo-Addo the Flagbearer of NPP. The position of NEC is that the Running Mate position is not an elective position whereby campaigning and canvassing of vote is required. The NPP Constitution has clear guidelines on choosing the Running Mate. We wish to assure our teeming supporters that, these guidelines would be diligently followed and an appropriate, suitable and acceptable person would be announced as Running Mate by the 2nd quarter of 2012. Until then, we humbly request all individuals or groups of individuals, Interest groups, Fan clubs and/or Associations etc to desist from the practice of canvassing or lobbying for a particular person. The practice whereby certain groups issue statements and publications in the media in support of a particular person must cease with immediate effect. Refusal to heed to our humble plea above may result in the application of severe sanctions against such persons or groups of persons or the so called �candidate�. The cooperation of all Party faithful, sympathizers and interest groups in this matter would be highly appreciated."