The Eastern regional chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress Tawiah Boateng has apologised over his comments that the NDC erred in electing the late Professor John Mills to lead them in the 2000 and 2008 elections.

Boateng is reported to have told Accra-based Adom FM that electing the late professor was a “mistake” the ruling party made in the past considering the fact he died in office due to ill health.

He made the comments to buttress his position that the NPP Presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo who is 72-year-old is likely to suffer the same fate should he be elected as president in 2016, considering his advancement in age.

The comment has been widely condemned by other executives of the ruling party. The Central regional chairman of the umbrella family Bernard Allotey Jacob is on record to have condemned his colleague, describing the remarks as unfortunate.

However, in a volt-face, Mr. Boateng has described his comments as mere slip of tongue which must not be taken seriously.

“I can never speak against Professor Mills. It was professor Mills who chose President Mahama so how can I speak ill of him, I won’t do that.

"It was he (Mills) who made the NDC attractive. I apologise for the comments, it was only a slip of tongue. I will not deliberately speak against the late President for anything in the world,” he explained.