THE MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for Tema East Constituency and a strategist for Nana Akufo-Addo campaign team, Kwartei Titus Glover has stated that it will be a display of cowardice on the part of the three flagbearer hopefuls of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to give in to pressure from party faithful or bow out from the October congress.
According to the MP, putting pressure on candidates to step down from the contest does not promote the well-acclaimed philosophy of being a party which understands the principle of democracy and that each of the five candidates should be given a level playing field for the contest.
Mr. Glover made these assertions on OMAN FM yesterday following calls within the NPP fraternity suggesting to the other three candidates; Alan Kyerematen, Osei Ameyaw and Addai Nimo to bow out for Nana Akufo-Addo following Joe Ghartey�s pronouncement to step down.
He rubbished the argument that the party does not have enough resources to campaign and that it is not necessary for NPP to use its limited resources to organize another congress in search of a flagbearer while the majority favored the party�s two-time presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo.
He added that forcing contenders to step aside for Nana Akufo-Addo as an unopposed candidate is morally wrong, democratically suicidal and constitutionally unaccepted.
�It will be cowardice on the part of the three contenders to be persuaded by whosoever to bow out of the competition; if they do, then they are �chickens�.
�The NPP must work in a more civil and united manner, we should not force anyone to quit the flagbearership contest. If any of them decides to quit, then that person is a coward� they have begun well so they should finish the race,� he said.
He further said, Nana Akufo-Addo himself understands the principles of democracy and may not need any persuasion from the three contenders before he can win the election and that he is ever ready for competition.
General Secretary�s reactions
The General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Adjei Agyepong has reacted in various media plat forms in the country that the party can�t abandon the October 18 congress.
He is quoted to have rejected calls from NPP fraternity wanting to make Nana Akufo-Addo the sole candidate and has stated emphatically that the party cannot avoid the October 18 describing the calls as unconstitutional and alien to the party.
�Despite the reasons given that the exercise was going to drain the party�s expenditure, time and logistics, it is a price to pay in trying to uphold democracy,� he said, adding that it is not the duty or mandate of the party executives to stop anyone to step down until the individual decides so.
Alan Kyerematen breaks silence
However, Nana�s close contender, Alan Kyerematen, has brushed aside calls from the party asking him to back out of the race and allow two time presidential primary hopeful Akufo-Addo to go unopposed.
The insisting call has compelled Alan Cash also known in Ghana�s political circles to issue a statement on Wednesday September 3 announcing his readiness and preparedness to contest the October congress.
This new development has brought some kind of relief to his supporters as they move from one media to the other trying to amass support for their candidate.
�Let me express my appreciation to the entire party and particularly the delegates who ensured that I was included in the list of five contestants for the final primary, by this action, I have a clear indication that the NPP fraternity believes I am capable of leading our party to victory in the 2016 elections.
�I take this charge very seriously and assure our party members that I will do all within my power, and by the Grace of the Almighty God, not to let them down, I congratulate all aspirants who took part in Sunday�s special election, both those who have been included in the five and the two who were not included,� he said.
He added that �ahead of the October 18th primary, I reaffirm my resolve to provide a leadership that will provide the drive for a strong, united and peaceful party for victory in 2016, as we enter the next stage of the process that will lead to the final selection of one presidential candidate, I ask all our party faithful for their continued and unflinching support.�
<<Print>>