A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Rita Talata Asobayire, is being accused by some anonymous party members, including some national executives, of causing a rift between former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
According to rumors, Madam Asobayire allegedly informed the former president that Dr. Bawumia, whom he introduced to politics, had shifted his loyalty to former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
A source claims she told Akufo-Addo that Bawumia had been stating publicly that it was Kufuor who brought him into politics and that he owed his political career to him. The source further alleged that Bawumia planned to align himself with the Kufuor faction within the party if elected president.
Another source added that Madam Asobayere also told Akufo-Addo that Bawumia did not assign him any role in his campaign, believing his association could cost them votes.
She allegedly claimed that the flagbearer and his team viewed Akufo-Addo’s presidency as a failure and feared that his involvement in the campaign could lead to electoral losses, including among national executives.
Multiple sources suggest that this alleged conversation angered Akufo-Addo, leading him to withdraw financial and material support for Bawumia’s campaign ahead of the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, instead focusing on his presidential duties.
Rumor-mongers further argue that in past election years, ruling parties typically highlight their flagbearer when the incumbent president is not seeking re-election.
This includes allowing the candidate to lead sod-cutting ceremonies and project inaugurations as part of their campaign strategy.
However, under Akufo-Addo’s leadership, this did not happen, allegedly due to Asobayire’s influence.
Meanwhile, multiple attempts to reach Madam Rita Asobayere for her response have been unsuccessful.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
