NDC must not pick Fantes and Northerners as flagbearer – Ben Ephson

Fantes and the three Northern regions should not be on the radar in the search of the next NDC Presidential Candidate for the 2020 agenda, Pollster, Ben Ephson has urged the largest opposition NDC.

The NDC is devising measures to revive itself and fix a broken front for the 2020 general elections.

Some kingpins and supporters of the NDC have been calling on the former leader, John Dramani Mahama to consider running for the 2020 elections.

The National Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC), Kofi Adams has said the NDC can rise to power again if former President Mahama accepts the calls to lead the party in 2020.

According to him, the party’s chances to return to power is heavily dependent on Mahama, who by all standards remains the best bet for the largest opposition NDC.

“All those who mean well for the party and wants NDC to come back to power should pray that former President Mahama will accept the calls to lead us in 2020.

“Mahama is one of the greatest things that have happened to this party. If you look at his contributions, his additions in 2008, his candidature in 2012- what he did, and his international stature that yielded much results for this country, I think he’s been a blessing for this country. And I believe that his work is not complete,” Adams said in in an interview on Kasapa 102.5 FM.

Political watchers say Mahama’s silence on the calls for his come back may be taken to mean tacit agreement to such campaigns on his behalf.

On the other side, the former Minister of Trade, under the erstwhile Mahama administration, Dr. Ekow Spio Garbrah, is said to be lacing his boots to fiercely contest on the ticket of the party.

Ephson said Mr. Spio Garbrah’s ambitions begun February 2016, 10-months to the polls, but it is unclear whether the NDC rank and file would elect him as a preferred candidate for 2020.

Speaking on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.5 FM Thursday on the NDCs consensus for the 2020 Flagbearer , Ephson said the opposition NDC must be guided by ethnic preference, and shift the focus on Fantes/Northerners in the 2020 agenda.

“Since 1992, a Fante has always been on the ticket of the NDC. In 1992, it was Rawlings/Ackaah, 1996 it was Rawlings/Mills, 2000, it was Mills/Martin Amidu, 2004 was Mills/Mumuni, 2008-Mills/Mahama, 2012-Mahama/Amissah Arthur, 2016-Mahama/Amissah Arthur.

“For me NDC towards 2020, if John Mahama is not contesting, they should exclude Fantes and Northerners for the ticket. Western, Central and the three Northern regions should be excluded. If Mahama will contest again, and get the bid as Flagbearer, It’s fine. But if he’s not contesting, the three Northern region and Fantes should be excluded.”