NPP Refutes Manipulation Claims Within The Party

The New Patriotic Party has dismissed claims by contestants of behind the scenes manipulations prior to Saturday's National Delegates Congress. The ruling party maintains that it has always upheld the principles of rule of law and democracy, which it amply demonstrated when it was in opposition.

The General Secretary of the NPP, Dan Botwe said since 1992, the party has tolerated many candidates vying for party positions leaving the assumption that the NPP observes the tenets of democracy to a fault.

He explained that provisions of the party's constitution does not permit national party executives to coerce contestants into withdrawing their aspirations in support of other candidates.

Meanwhile, the National chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Mr. Samuel Odoi Sykes says his intention not to contest for a second term for election is based on the precedent by his two predecessors, J B Da Rocha and Peter Ala Adjetey. Mr. Odoi Sykes said he decided to be chairman of the NPP for just one term before last year’s general elections.

Mr. Odoi Sykes said even if the NPP had lost last year’s elections, he would have been chairman for only one term because there are other people in the party who can equally do the job well. He discounted reports that some of the candidates who initially wanted to contest for national executive positions in the party were forced to abort their bids.

Mr. Odoi Sykes said some contestants might have decided to withdraw from the various positions because the national executive of the party needs to reflect a regional balance, which would not be achieved if they win the various positions.