The Deputy Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party, Rabi Salifu, has publicly backed the return of Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, as running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2028 general elections, describing him as competent, approachable and capable of improving on his past performance.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana with host Moro Awudu, Madam Salifu said her support for NAPO is grounded in both his track record and her personal interactions with him, even though the final decision rests with party leadership.
She said a review of his educational background, work experience and the various capacities in which he has served shows a man who has contributed significantly to the party and to public service. Beyond his credentials, she described him as someone who listens and connects with people at a personal level.
“For me, I respect people who speak to my heart,” she said, adding that NAPO is the kind of leader who will sit, listen and engage meaningfully with concerns brought before him.
Madam Salifu recalled that before he was selected in 2023 as running mate to Dr Bawumia, there was strong internal support for him from the grassroots and party executives. According to her, many within the party saw him as a people centred figure who had paid his dues.
Reflecting on the 2024 election, she acknowledged that there were moments when some of NAPO’s public remarks raised concerns, including for her personally.
“At some point there were some utterances that would come from NAPO and I would go like, is he really saying this,” she said.
However, she stressed that politics is a human enterprise and that mistakes are part of the process. She noted that responsibility for electoral outcomes is collective, stretching from polling station executives through constituency, regional and national officers, to the flag bearer and running mate.
“As human as he is, he gave us reasons why to think that he has to do some things more. He has to go back to the drawing board to see what he did not do well,” she said, adding that she is confident he has reflected on his performance and can do better if given another opportunity.
Madam Salifu also revealed that she has personally confronted NAPO over specific allegations and criticisms that surfaced during the campaign. She said he offered explanations and assured her he would address the issues raised.
While making clear that she serves in the capacity of an aide to Dr Bawumia and would not presume to dictate the party’s choice, she said her decision to support him in the past was based on principle and belief in his competence.
“I saw competence in that man,” she said of Dr Bawumia, explaining that she was even prepared to relinquish her national officer position to assist his campaign.
On the question of the 2028 ticket, she said the party’s leadership is carefully weighing all potential names and will take a decision in the interest of the party. Still, she was firm in her personal assessment.
“If we choose to bring him back, it will not be a bad idea,” she said. “NAPO is a good person. He has served the party so well. He has paid his dues.”
Her comments come as discussions intensify within the NPP over strategy and leadership ahead of the next election cycle, with attention increasingly turning to who will partner Dr Bawumia on the ballot.
