Running mate idea can wait
-NPP official
From Issah Alhassan, Kumasi
Nana Akufo Addo in tête-à-tête with Alan Kyerematen
A leading member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has condemned what he describes as an attempt by a few supporters of the party to reignite the perceived feud between the flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, and his former contender, Mr. Kwadwo Alan Kyerematen.
Mr. Ayisi Boateng said calls by a section of supporters of the party on Nana Addo to select Mr. Kyerematen as his running mate, is not only malicious but also an agenda which could destabilise the now united NPP.
A group of supporters of the NPP in the Ashanti Region, last week appealed to Nana Akufo Addo to appoint the former Trade and Industry Minister as his running mate, to enhance the chances of the party in the 2012 elections.
But, the NPP founding member says the call is highly unfortunate, considering the fact that the opposition party and its flagbearer are focusing on how to rebuild the foundation of the party, and encourage the grassroots support base.
Mr. Ayisi Boateng said it would not be fair on anybody’s part to put undue pressure on the party’s flagbearer to select their choice as the running mate, when his attention is currently focused on promoting his “All Hands on Deck Campaign.”
The founding member of the NPP said instead of calling on Nana Addo to select someone as his running mate, these supporters should rather join in the nationwide campaign currently being embarked upon by the flagbearer, to explain the party’s alternative programmes and policies to the electorate.
“I do not think it is fair for anyone to make such a call at this point in time, what is their motive, to help NPP? no I don’t think so, what any genuine supporter of the party should be thinking right now is to work towards total unity and peace within our party, and not to do anything that can destroy the party,” he advised.
According to him, Nana Akufo Addo was focused, resilient and resolute to recapture power to salvage the good people of Ghana from their hardships, and believes that what was needed right now, was to make sure the needed support is given to him.
“We must all embrace the All Hands On Deck Campaign, and do our part to improve our support base, the last thing we need now, is for anyone to put pressure on Nana Addo to select a particular candidate, the man is a mature and experienced politician, he knows what is best for the party, and we must accord him that confidence and respect,” he emphasised.
Mr. Ayisi Boateng said he believed strongly that Mr. Kyerematen himself was not aware of this agenda, stressing that the former NPP presidential hopeful was doing all he could to support Nana Addo win the 2012 elections.
“We all know that NPP needs a united force to confront the 2012 elections and Mr. Kyerematen is helping in that direction, so let’s all do same,” he noted.
Citing current happenings within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to buttress his point, Mr. Ayisi Boateng said the ruling party was going through much difficulty as a result of such actions.
He said such an episode must not be allowed to occur in the NPP, because “we are all united behind one particular man, and that is Nana Addo, to win the 2012 elections.”
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