I had the intention of contesting Kufuor in 2004 -Apraku

I would like to state categorically and rebuff allegations that I had the intentions to contest former President Kufuor in the NPP’s Presidential primaries of 2004. The allegation is just a ploy by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to justify the fact that former first lady, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings has hinted at contesting President Mills.

I never intended to contest former President Kufuor who at that time had laid a solid foundation for a sustained economic growth, performed exceptionally well on all fronts, and was popular both within the party and the country at large. Infact it would have been total madness for anyone in the NPP to even contemplate challenging such a popular incumbent President.

The issue before the NDC in respect of a potential challenge to their incumbent President from within is: What has compelled former President Rawlings, the political Godfather of President Mills who he chose as his Vice President, supported in his three previously failed attempts at the Presidency and campaigned tirelessly for in the 2008 presidential elections, to now publicly denounce him as a failed President and thus incapable of leading the NDC to victory in 2012. As a matter of fact and of historical record, incumbent Presidents are challenged from within when there is compelling case that the incumbent President has performed so dismally that presenting him again for an election will be tantamount to defeat. Incidentally, such was the case in 1980 when Senator Kennedy, a Democrat challenged the incumbent Democrat President, Jimmy Carter. Even though Kennedy failed in his bid, eventually President Jimmy Carter lost the subsequent election to Ronald Reagan as Senator Kennedy had predicted. The same fears that Senator Kennedy had of President Cater’s candidacy appear to be the argument of those in the NDC who support a challenge of President Mils from within.

This is an internal matter for the NDC to resolve and Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku should be left out of it

Signed Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku Campaign Director for NPP 2008 elections 0244-312881