NDC Runningmate Saga Ends?

Unconfirmed reports available to The Chronicle have indicated that the Minority Spokesman on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni would be given the nod to partner the Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Evans Atta Mills in the 2004 presidential election.

A reliable source in the Mills campaign team who hinted The Chronicle said the decision was meant to satisfy the demand from sections of the party to choose a Muslim who could capture the northern votes for the party.

However, considering the crisis in Dagbon and the fact that Alhaji Mumuni is an Andani, it is feared that the party would have divided votes although his candidature is to satisfy that particular demand.

The selection of Alhaji Mumuni could be likened to the 2000 choice of Martin Amidu, which was contrary to public speculations that Dr. Obed Asamoah was the preferred candidate.

The Kumbungu MP would be chosen ahead of more than four names that have been mentioned among media pundits and social commentators as well as political scientists and observers.

Top on the Professor's list was the Bole MP, John Dramani Mahama the party's Communications Director who many strongly believe is the most suitable and preferred candidate.

John, although a Christian, is seen as the candidate who commands the support of both Christian and Muslim communities in the North.

Other names that cropped up included the NDC cash man, Alhaji Baba Kamara, MP for Ayawaso West, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed and the former Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Seidu Iddi.

When The Chronicle contacted Alhaji Mumuni for his views on the decision, he said he had no idea about it, although he was aware of his name making the rounds as a possible choice of the flag bearer.

He said he was also waiting for the Professor to make the announcement on Tuesday.

"I Am serious; I have not heard anything like that," he insisted when our reported probed him further.

The Chronicle has keenly been following the running mate saga of the biggest opposition party but Prof Mills has kept his cards on his chest and has left people guessing about whom to nominate among the many credible candidates on his list.

He was reported at one time to have decided to name his partner last August, which sparked off some controversy because some top members of the party preferred an earlier date so that the chosen candidate could begin work with the campaign team as early as possible.

Meanwhile, President John Agyekum Kufuor, on Saturday, nominated Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama as his running mate for the 2004 Presidential elections at the three-day national annual delegates conference of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Kumasi.

President Kufuor described Alhaji Mahama as hard working and affable pillar of support for him who had shown considerable grace under fire.

The delegates accepted the nomination with an acclamation and a standing ovation.