Who leads the NDC in 2004?

With barely two years to go for the 2004 general elections, there is intense speculation about who will emerge as the presidential candidate of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to “The Insight”, a survey among members and sympathizers of the NDC suggest that 48 per cent would still want Professor John Evan Atta Mills, the man who lead the party to its first ever defeat in the 2000 general elections, as the party’s candidate for the crucial 2004 presidential race.

“After sampling the opinion of 120 members of the party randomly, the indications are that Professor Mills will, however, still have to fight for the slot, unless the previous election where he was declared in what has become known as the “Swedru declaration” and was subsequently, unanimously approved by the party.

Other names, which came up, include Mr. John Mahama, the hardworking minority spokesman on Communications and former minister for the sector, Dr. Kwesi Botchwey, former Finance minister, Mr. Paul Victor Obeng, a former member of Rawlings’ PNDC and former presidential advisor on governmental affairs, Mr. J.H. Owusu-Acheampong, former minister parliamentary affairs and Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, former presidential advisor on governmental affairs.

“In the survey, Mr. Mahama placed second with 22 per cent followed by Alhaji Iddrisu with 15 per cent. Mr. P.V. Obeng had 10 per cent with Dr. Kwesi Botchwey scoring 8 per cent; Mr. Owusu-Acheampong had 7 per cent.

All those interviewed by The Insight either said they would not vote for former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings or that she was not interested in becoming the presidential candidate of the party.”

While about 60 per cent of those interviewed expressed satisfaction with the performance of the party chairman, Dr. Obed Asamoah, all agreed that he was not the best choice of the party as presidential candidate. 96 per cent of interviewees believed that the NDC would beat the NPP in the 2004 elections.

All those interviewed also thought that the NDC’s chances in the next elections would be greatly improved with the Nkrumaist political parties.