The spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has defended him following a viral video in which he is alleged to have endorsed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

In the video, while addressing supporters at a campaign rally in the Greater Accra region, NAPO inadvertently urged voters to back Mahama instead of the NPP's presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

"When you are voting, …vote for John Mahama and Robert, John Mahama, and Robert …eii Bawumia and Robert, you didn't allow me to finish. I mean Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Robert," he said, sparking laughter from the crowd before quickly correcting himself.

The incident has been met with criticism and mockery, particularly from the opposition NDC. However, NAPO's spokesperson, Fiifi Boafo, has dismissed claims that the statement was intentional, describing it as a natural slip that can occur during long public engagements.

"Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh is human; slips are part of human beings. At no point in time will Dr. Opoku Prempeh prefer John Dramani Mahama to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia," graphiconline.com quoted him to have said in an interview with Starr FM.

He emphasised that NAPO's support for Dr. Bawumia is well-documented and evident in his speeches and actions.

Boafo further elaborated that NAPO's references to Mahama during campaign speeches are deliberate attempts to remind voters, particularly the youth, of the NDC leader's record in governance.

"There's a need for Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh to talk about John Mahama. The reason is that we are going into an election. The persons who are 18 years old today, voting for the first time, were only 10 years old when John Mahama exited as president," he noted.

According to Boafo, many young voters might be unaware of issues such as power outages, fuel shortages, and cancelled allowances during Mahama's tenure. "He's only reminding us of the dangers and troubles we went through under John Mahama as president. But not in any way suggesting that people should vote for him. That is a bad choice, and he [NAPO] will not make that recommendation."

He urged critics to view the incident as an honest mistake, adding that NAPO remains committed to championing Dr. Bawumia's candidature and ensuring the NPP's success in the upcoming elections.

Election 2024: NAPO slips; urges voters to support John Mahama and Robert Lamptey of the NPP.#ElectionHQ pic.twitter.com/7M8Rr4i0BH

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) November 22, 2024