Aliu to be sidelined in 2004 (0)

The apparent success of the ruling New Patriotic Party seem to be re-defining the fortunes of the party in many ways.

So, as the president tries to strengthen his capacity, the party seem to be reeling under the yoke of some very potent Lobbyist groups who have re-emergenced since they went underground after the keenly contested 1998 slot for the Flag bearership of the party.

This group is now fighting tooth and nail to attract attention and win support for their candidates and interests. And they seem to have penetrated the resolve of the ?gentle giant? to redefine the potency of the laissez faire New Patriotic Party (NPP) with regard to contemporary Ghanaian politics . Reliable Presidential insiders have indeed hinted that Ghanaians would be injected with light doses of presidential surprises in the months and weeks preceeding election 2004.

According to both presidential and party sources, the most imminent casualty following last week?s reshuffle, would be a confirmation of the Network Herald publication that His Excellency Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama has been dropped from the position of vice president so far as Election 2004 is concerned. ?As sure as light follows the day, the very affable Aliu is out of contention for now? was the short but crisp position.

?Alhaji Aliu was selected for elections 2000 strategically to attract and woo voters from the three Northern Regions, which opposed the Danquah/Busia Tradition.? The conclusion was simple: it is certain that Aliu is out and only a miracle can change that position. Speaking in her plush East Legon residence in Accra, one Source stressed to the Network Herald that the purpose of winning the election was duely served but that for now, ?the stakes are different necessitating calls for a new strategic partner to maintain the pendulum of popularity and vote across the country.?

She mentioned the five strong lobby groups as exponents of Gender Philosophies, the Ewe factor, the Fante threat, the Continuity group and what she described as the Northern insurgents. Independent sources within the corridors of power say the Gender Group has proposed Madam Ama Bame Busia, the immediate past first Vice Chairperson of the party. They argue that she is more likely to serve as a fitting tribute to the memory of Dr. K. A Busia, the only leader the party produced till Mr. Kufuor, as well as a tool to the vote of women.

The Ewe lobbyists have also proposed Major Courage Quarshiga who is believed to be presently holding the magic wand to turn the fortunes of the party in the Volta Region.(That region is perceived to be the stronghold (World Bank) of the NDC ).

However, proceedings at the National Reconciliation Commission where his name has been mentioned on a number of occasions have dented his credibility and chances. The Continuity Group is looking beyond 2004. They have proposed Dan Botchway the party?s General Secretary as the most saleable vice presidential material. They believe Dan would be the best asset to take over from President J. A. Kufuor after his second term. They argue that Dan needs to be groomed and marketed for the 2008 elections.

The Fante caucus has also proposed Dr. Paa Kwasi Nduom, a leading member of the Convention (confusion) People?s Party (CPP). It is believed Dr. Nduom would be the last straw that will break any attempt to resuscitate the CPP and also draw the Fante votes against Prof. John Evans Attah Mills the NDC Flag bearer. The Northern caucus who went to sleep after the 2000 elections once their son and compatriot assumed the seat of the Vice, are slowly but aggressively waking up to the realities of modern politicks.

They have issued what appears to be more of a threat than lobbying. ?If JAK and the NPP drop our son then the party should forget about the North. They should not enter the region to campaign, already Dagbon is fresh on our minds, we will throw them away.?

They have also sent reminders to AK of their enormous contribution in 1998 at the NPP Special National Delegate Congress at Sunyani where they contend that their position turned things round for the incumbent president over stalwarts like Nana Addo, K.K Appraku?and his own brother-in-law J.H Mensah. ?They should not attempt to renege on the gentlemanly agreement reached at the congress grounds and the other manipulations that resulted in the North voting enbloc for Kufuor against Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo.

?If they dare us, we will split the bean and the whole world would know what happened in the darkest hours of the night at Sunyani. They should consider the consequence especially from the Akuffo Addo?s camp, we rest our case.? Network Herald Investigations confirm that a couple of the 1998 presidential hopefuls still habour presidential ambitions. Dr Appraku has already set up what is perceived to be a campaign 2008 outfit while Nana Akuffo Addo quietly counts the days and hours that stands strongly against him in Dan Botwe