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THE EASTERN regional vice chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Kweku Adjei, affectionately called Abigi is said to be in critical condition following the near-deadly accident that occurred on his way to meet the party�s delegates. The accident occurred on Thursday dawn on the Koforidua- Akwadum highway on his way to meet delegates to append their signature on his nomination form to seek a second term of office. His Toyota FJ cruiser with registration number GW 2I20 Y which he was driving was said to have somersaulted several times in an attempt to swerve an articulator truck that had burst tire and was approaching fiercely. He was admitted at the casualty department of the Koforidua regional hospital. He, however, has been transferred to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital since he is said to be in critical condition. Doctors suspect injury to the spine and neck bone. Some party executives have since trooped to the hospital to sympathize with the victim. It is unclear when he would be discharged from the hospital. The incident prevented him from attending the filing of nominations in person on Friday, the deadline for filing of nominations. Nonetheless,four contestants filed their nomination forms last Friday to contest the position of chairmanship. Many political analysts have described it as dead race since an obvious winner cannot be determined. The four persons contesting the seat are Bismark Tawiah Boateng, John Owusu Amankrah, Alhaji Sumaila Mahama and Oheneba Addo. The four persons contesting to occupy the high position of the party in the region are equally known for their hard work and relentless dedicated services to the party. The crucial roles played by each contestant in the party have put the delegates in a dilemma weighing the campaign messages of the aspiring candidates in order to make a definite decision during the regional congress which will be held this month. Bismark Tawiah Boateng is the most popular among the contestants due to his full time and dedicated service to the party in the region since 1992 when the party was formed. He was the first Secretary of the then Koforidua Constituency and after holding several positions became the regional organizer for over twelve years; a position he currently occupies. Mr Boateng�s hard work collectively helped the party out of opposition .His position as regional organizer has accorded him the opportunity to have a tight umbilical cord with the grassroots, hence may have competitive advantage. However, this advantage is being weakened by his competitors with his level of education which they claim will affect the region in permeating its problems and positions on issues during National Executives meetings, since the only official language allowed is English. But, Mr. Boateng believes hard work and commitment wins election not mere speaking of English. John Owusu Amankrah, popularly known as JOWAK, a timber merchant and a business tycoon is equally known in both regional and national levels of the party, having been chairman for the party in the Eastern region some years ago. He is among the major financiers of the NDC having supported the party with millions of both financial and material resources, while some of the delegates believe with his resources, the party would be financial vibrant when voted as chairman, adding that ,the level of selfishness and greediness allegedly witnessed under the current leadership would also end. However, many delegates and supporters of the party are of the view that, JOWAK, with his business and tight schedules; he may not have time to fully avail himself to the grassroots in time of need. But, after filing nomination, JOWAK told the media that politics is about good management, therefore, if the constituencies and the branches are well resourced and functioning well, there would not be much pressure on the regional executives which he is committed to execute. Ahaji Somalia Mahama has risen through the ranks from regional Youth Organizer, to First Vice chairman, then acting Chairman of the party in the region. Alhaji Sumaila is well known for his dedicated services to the party by ensuring that the party�s support base in the Zongo communities, in particular, widens. Speculations abound that he is a darling boy of President John Dramani Mahama. His message of operating open door leadership and bringing innovations that would help the party secure at least 50% of the total votes in the region for the NDC seems to be doing magic for him among the delegates. Oheneba Addo, is part of the few party gurus who made the NDC a formidable force to be recognized on the Akuapem ridge area. He currently occupies many subsidiary groups in the party. His generosity to the constituencies in the region in recent times is making headway for him. However, many delegates believe he is too soft to lead the party at this crucial time. Other aspirants contesting the remaining regional positions and have successfully filed their nominations forms were- Kwaku Adjei, Love Joy Dusi, Osei Henock and Stella Ansah both contesting the Vice Chairmanship position. For the regional secretary position, Mark Oliver Kevor and Mathew Doe filed, Francis Annor Dompreh and Alinco are contesting the deputy secretary position. The regional youth organizer position is keenly being contested by Haruna Apaw-Wiredu, Kwaku Asamoah, the incumbent and Joshua Atta Mensah. The regional organizer position is also being contested by Ransford Owusu Boakye and Kudjo Adukpo, while Evelyn Koran, the incumbent women organizer is being challenged by her deputy, Stella Ansah. The aspiring candidates are expected to go through vetting this week.