Delay in announcing Mahama's running mate worrying - Political Scientist

Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr Alidu Seidu, has expressed worry at the late selection of a running mate for the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Curiosity has been sparked by the general public on the NDC’s silence in selecting a running mate for the presidential elections in December even though it has outdoor a campaign team.

Speaking to GhanaWeb, Dr. Alidu Seidu said a delay in outdooring the running mate can lead to a potential loss of votes for the party.

“I do believe that by now the party should have had its running mate. The running mate that they are going to choose is supposed to complement John Mahama’s abilities.

“The running mate should have been outdoored so that he or she can also help campaign for votes for the party. The consequence of the delay will be a potential loss of votes for the party,” he explained.

The political scientist who believes that delay may be as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, however, says the flagbearer should have made the selection by now, “so the person contributes to the party’s campaign.”

Former President John Dramani Mahama has been under pressure to announce his running mate as the county readies for the December 7 polls.

The question of who partners John Mahama as the election draws closer has been on the lips of many, with rumours and speculations going round over who is the suitable candidate for the NDC flagbearer.

Since his election as the flag bearer of the NDC in February 2019, a number of names have popped up as possible running mates of Mr. Mahama.

They include Ghana’s longest-serving Finance Minister, Professor Kwesi Botchwey; the Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, Mr Eric Opoku; the party’s General Secretary, Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia; a former Chief Executive of the Ghana Gas Company, Dr. George Sipa Yankey; a former Health Minister, Mr Samuel Nuamah-Donkor; Former GNPC boss Alex Mould, Member of Parliament for Klottey-Korley Constituency Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and a businessman, Mr. Leslie Tamakloe.