NPP Dumps Controversial Plan...

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) reconvenes today on the controversial proposal for early congress to elect a presidential candidate for the 2016 elections. However, even before the meeting, credible information available to Daily Guide newspaper indicates that the steering meeting on Tuesday, has decided to drop that proposal, which has generated a raging controversy and tension in the party. The proposal, which among others, called for the election of the party�s flag-bearer, ahead of other party officers such as polling station, constituency, regional and national executives, has been tabled before the National Executive Committee (NEC), the highest decision-making body for consideration. The decision to dump the proposal, that is believed to be tearing apart the party, was said to have been taken by the Steering Committee at a meeting held at the NPP Ayslum Down Headquarters on Tuesday. The proposal, allegedly being championed by National Chairman of the NPP, Jake Otanka Obestebi-Lamptey and some national executives of the party, seems to have suffered a major setback right from day one as it suffered a very stiff opposition from the rank and file. This, according to credible sources, has compelled members of the Steering Committee, which is made up of all national officers, to stand down the proposal. Among factors that were said to have informed the decisions was the unpopular nature of the proposal and the act that it could bring further divisions in the party. The decision is expected to be communicated to the NEC at today�s meeting. The NEC had directed members to do broader consultation on the top-down approach of electing officers when its last meeting was greeted with a demonstration by party supporters who were kicking against the proposal. Sources said the report from the grassroots support base of the party indicated an overwhelming opposition against the move and therefore, it was only logical to drop the unpopular proposal.