Simmering Tension In NDC Over Chairman

Supporters loyal to one of the leading contenders for the National Chairmanship of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, have sworn to derail any plans by some bigwigs of the party to talk the aspirant into dropping his ambition to contest the position. The supporters say they will resist any pressure on the former National Vice Chairman to step down, as they believe he is the most legitimate candidate to lead the chairmanship position. There are reports that some leading members of the ruling party are persuading the former General Secretary to drop his ambition, on the basis that he is a Northerner, and that since the President is also from the North, it will not ensure tribal balance within the ruling party if he wins. According to the information, the party gurus are trying to convince Alhaji Huudu Yahaya to see the logic in the assertion and voluntarily step down, in order for either Mr. Daniel Abodakpi or Mr. Kofi Portuphy, or, better still, the incumbent, Dr. Kwabena Adjei, who are all of Ewe roots, occupy the seat. But supporters of the aspirants say they will move heaven and earth to ensure that Alhaji Huudu Yahaya remains in the competition. A group, known as Loyalists of Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, is expected to hold a press conference today, Monday, to officially state their displeasure at the behind-the-scenes moves, but its Spokesperson, Alice Anthony, told The Chronicle in an interview that they will rally behind their favourite candidate, come what may. �We are not going to allow him to step down, never! We want him to contest and win or lose; we can�t play tribal cards with the fortunes of our party,� she stated.