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OUTSPOKEN ASHANTI Regional National Democratic Congress (NDC) Secretary, Joseph Yammin says his decision not to contest during the party�s upcoming parliamentary elections has nothing to do with money. �Let me set the record straight. I am not cash strapped as my detractors have been speculating around since I announced that I will not take part in the NDC MP polls,� he told DAILY GUIDE in an interview. The NDC scribe who commands a lot of respect and power on the party�s regional front said money would not have been a problem for him at all had he decided to contest the parliamentary primaries. Yammin, two-time NDC parliamentary candidate for Kwadaso recently dropped the bombshell about his decision not to contest during a party meeting at the Kwadaso constituency where he hails from. Reports reaching Daily Guide so far have it that the NDC hierarchy have become confused over Yammin�s decision and are hoping he would change his mind since they trust his ability to garner more votes for the party as he has done in the past. But Yammin who has contested the seat twice insists it is time to step aside and let others try their luck adding that nothing will make him rescind his decision The affable-looking and experienced politician had contested the Kwadaso seat in 2004 and 2008 when his party was cash strapped in opposition. Though he could not wrest the seat from the NPP on both occasions, he managed to garner more votes for his party which went a long way to help the NDC win the last elections. During the polls, Yammin depended solely on insightful speeches, his impressive debating skills and affability to record more votes for the NDC. Now that the NDC is in power, everybody expected Yammin to contest the seat once again but this was not to be. Since the NDC assumed power in 2009, Yammin who led the party�s grass roots in carrying out all the dirty work that helped the party win the elections has been relegated to the background and political appointments handed out to other party members. Political pundits believe this mistreatment of Yammin by the Mills government has greatly influenced his decision not to contest the party�s parliamentary primary. He has however refused to comment on issues surrounding his alleged neglect with regards to political appointments. He reiterated that his decision not to contest was personal and is ostensibly geared towards giving other party members the opportunity to come into the limelight. Meanwhile, DAILY GUIDE gathered that the opposition NPP in Kwadaso constituency is in a jubilant mood following Yammin�s shocking decision not to contest. Their excitement is greatly being influenced by news that the NDC is presenting a weaker opponent who is not as charismatic, appealing, competent and eloquent like Yammin who could pose problems for the NPP.