NPP Chair not my interest; friends wanted me to – Mike Oquaye

Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, says he does not need the national chairmanship position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be able to serve the party dutifully.

According to him, he has served in several capacities in the party and his current membership in the National Council of Elders has helped him even more to help put things in order in the party.

Prof Oquaye made these statements on Asempa FM in relation to his decision to step down from the national chairmanship race of the NPP.

A statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Ernest Twum, for and on behalf of Prof Oquaye noted that, "the Prof has taken the firm position he is not going to contest for party chairman."

The explanation was that he was going to use his office as a member of the National Council of Elders and member of the National Council of the NPP to advise, caution, broker peace and direct in any way to help resolve conflict and help steer the party in the right direction.

But asked why he went ahead to pick the nomination forms, Prof Oquaye said it was out of goodwill that friends and loved ones went to the Asylum Down headquarters of the party to pick up the forms on his behalf.

He, therefore, expressed gratitude to them for showing confidence in him but noted that he did not need the position of chairman to serve the party.

Reiterating the point, Prof Oquaye said, “I am a member of the National Council of elders and a member of the National Council itself, and I have helped in putting things in order in the party… The positions I hold can enable me help the party… It’s not necessary to be chairman before I can help the party.”

He, therefore, pledged that he would support anyone who came out victorious in any way possible for the betterment of the party.

The national delegates conference of the New Patriotic Party scheduled for April 12, 2013 will be held in the Northern Regional capital, Wa.

In the race for National Chairman are Mr Jake Otanka Obetsebi Lamptey, incumbent National Chairman; first National Vice Chairman, Mr Fred Oware; a former first National Vice Chairman of the party, Mr Stephen Ntim and Mr Paul Afoko.