A senior lecturer of the political science department of the university of Ghana Dr. Seidu Alidu has added his voice to the ongoing discussions about the selection of a running mate from the Volta Region for the 2020 election ticket of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on ‘Epa Hoa Daben show on Happy FM he stated that ethnicity is just one of the variables in the selection of a Vice Presidential candidate in an election. ‘’There is a peculiar power struggle in the NDC, The Volta Caucus, the Mahama faction, the Fante caucus and even the Ahwoi brothers can say that choose this running mate and we will support your campaign financially,” he noted.
He also said if Ex-President Mahama wins the bid to lead the NDC in the 2020 general elections he will be eligible for a four-year term, therefore he would have to choose a running mate who can step in his shoes for the 2024 elections.
He however, observed that the suggestion that a running mate must be chosen from the Volta Region to compensate the Region for the absence of Voltarians in the top Executive positions in the party is misplaced. ‘’ There are at least six high positions in the NDC that are occupied by Voltarians. even if there are no persons from the Volta Region occupying key positions it is not an issue because those positions where not appointed but elected by delegates including those from the Volta Region,’’ He said.
He further advocated for the party leadership in the region to negotiate with whoever becomes the flagbearer for deals and positions that will bring development to the Region instead of the running mate bid.
Dr. Alidu’s comments come at a time party stalwart, Samuel Yaw Adusei, former deputy minister for Water Resources Works and Housing under erstwhile Mahama administration is on record saying “the NDC must choose a running mate from the Volta Region.”
By Bridget Mensah
