Choice of running-mate is sole preserve of candidate - Fordjour

Sunyani (B/A), Jan. 11 GNA – Mr Kwadwo Yeboah Fordjour, former Brong-Ahafo Regional Chairman of New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said it is the sole prerogative of the party’s presidential candidate to choose his running mate for the upcoming December general election.

He appealed to members of the NPP to respect the constitution and structures of the party and allow Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo, the presidential candidate in consultation with the council of elders of the NPP to do so for a resounding victory in the general election.

Speaking to the GNA in an interview in Sunyani, the former regional chairman admitted a running mate from Brong-Ahafo could enhance the fortunes of the party in the elections but added that the choice of Nana Akuffo-Addo “must be the choice of all”.

Mr Fordjour, who was the longest serving regional chairman, said if members of the party continued to decide and lobby for the running mate slot for their own gains it would create enmity within the party which could consequently obstruct campaigns for victory in December.

He said the NPP was a great party under “the strong elephant”, adding that “members must allow the interest of the party to supersede their personal interest”.

Mr Fordjour observed that each card bearing and loyal member of the party whose activities could translate into more votes for the NPP to regain power was qualified for the running mate slot no matter the person’s ethnic or religious background.

He advised members and sympathizers of the party to get prepared to rally solidly behind any individual who might be chosen as the running mate in this electioneering campaign.

Mr Fordjour stressed the need for the party to roll-out its campaign strategies now and advised members to conduct the campaigns devoid of all forms of personal attacks against party opponents but based on issues.

“The only way we can win the general election is to educate and make Ghanaians especially those in deprived communities abreast with the NPP manifesto”, he said.