A political
scientist and lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Abdul Jalilu Ateku, says
he does not foresee any significant threat to the victory of former President
John Dramani Mahama in the National Democratic Congress’ upcoming presidential
election.
Dr. Ateku
anticipated that the former President will win by a landslide victory in the
internal polls.
He said none of
the presidential hopefuls who have declared their intentions to contest on the
ticket of the opposition National Democratic (NDC) comes out stronger than Mr.
Mahama.
The former
President has overwhelmingly been endorsed by some party members including the
Minority caucus, groups and individuals.
Speaking
on Eyewitness News on Wednesday, Dr. Ateku said the former President
is the most popular within the NDC and stands tall amongst the other
presidential aspirants.
The political
scientist noted that the NDC is capitalising on Mr. Mahama’s popularity to
endorse him to represent the party in the 2024 polls.
According to
him, the other aspirants who have expressed their interests lack the
capabilities to defeat Mr. Mahama in the presidential primaries.
“Mahama is
currently the most popular politician within NDC. The NDC knows exactly what
they are looking for at this particular time. They know the strategies they are
adopting. For me, it’s not surprising at all that he is contesting and the
endorsement he has received from the minority caucus, groups and individuals
within his party”.
“In my candid
opinion, I do not see any significant threats to the victory of John Mahama in
their internal contest. I have the conviction that it will be a landslide
victory for Mahama,” the University of Ghana lecturer envisaged.
He said it will
be wrong on the part of the party to stop other people from contesting in the
internal race and allow Mr. Mahama to go unopposed.
“It’s a democracy
you cannot prevent people from contesting,” he opined.
Dr. Ateku
admonished the party to organise its presidential and parliamentary elections
devoid of acrimony.
“They should
conduct the primaries in such a manner that they will avoid acrimony and conflict.
They should conduct themselves in such a way that the election is peaceful,” he
urged.
The former
President has declared his intention to contest for president, with some
members of the party picking nominations forms on his behalf.
Former Finance Minister,
Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, and former Mayor of Kumasi, Kojo Bonsu, have openly
expressed interest in the NDC’s presidential elections.
NDC on
Wednesday, February 22, 2023, opened nominations for its presidential and
parliamentary elections.
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