Ablekuma results not a reflection of CPs strength -Alhaji

Tamale (Northern Region) 7 April ?99

A leading member of the Convention Party (CP), Alhaji Ibrahim Mahama, has said the abysmal performance of its candidate in the recent bye-election at Ablekuma central constituency should not be used as a yardstick to assess the strength of the party.

"Next time round whether a bye-election or a general election people will see that it is really the party of the people", Alhaji Mahama, said in an interview with the GNA in Tamale today.

All the traditional strongholds of the party which have fallen to rival parties, would be reclaimed during next year's general elections, he stated.

Alhaji Mahama said a number of people are defecting from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Northern region to the CP, "but they prefer to remain quiet about their new choice".

Just last month, a number of supporters of the NDC from Gbullung, Kumbungu, Savelugu and Karaga joined the CP because of the faith they have in the party's ability to salvage the country from its socio-economic difficulties, he claims.

Alhaji Mahama said the CP is mobilising vehicles and other logistics to launch a vigorous campaign in the rural areas.

He announced that the party's delegate's conference will be held on June 12 this year to coincide with the day the defunct Convention People's Party (CPP) was proclaimed by the former President Dr Kwame Nkrumah.