NPP Running Mate Slot Takes Center Stage

A member of the NPP Muhammad Awal has dismissed suggestions by some New Patriotic Party activists that the Vice President should not be selected to run with president Kufuor for a second term in the December polls.

A leading member of the NPP, Victor Newman, says Alhaji Aliu Mahama may not the best candidate for the post as a result of his handling of the Yendi crisis.

Mr. Newman in his article published by the state owned Daily Graphic newspaper, said Alhaji Mahama did not bring any significant votes to the NPP from the north since the NDC won massively in the three northern regions. But Mr. Awal disagrees with the assertions made by Mr. Newman.

He told JOYFM that Alhaji Aliu Mahama has paid his dues to the nation as vice president and his recent tour of some parts of the northern region is a clear indication that he has his feet firmly planted in the northern.

Mr. Awal however said it is the prerogative of the president to select who he deems fit to be his running mate but added Alhaji Mahama should be judged on his own merit.

''Aliu has performed wonders in his role as vice-president. For the sake of the party, they shouldn?t be bringing such things up now'', he said.

In a related development, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Steven Ahiawodor, says religious and ethnic backgrounds of politicians are decisive factors to win votes.

Mr. Ahiawodor who was commenting on what factors people take into consideration when deciding on candidates said it will take a while for people to depart from such considerations. He conceded that currently votes from the regions in the north are significant for any political group.