My disqualification was personal – Hassan Ayariga

Disqualified presidential hopeful, Hassan Ayariga has launched scathing attacks on the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, accusing her of influencing the Commission with her personal feelings.

Sounding livid, Mr. Ayariga who was disqualified from contesting the 2016 presidential election says the EC boss is not fit to lead the seven-member Commission.

Addressing the media in Accra Friday, the leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) promised to pursue his disqualification in court. According to the Commission, the APC leader did not fill out the forms in accordance with CI 94. But Mr. Ayariga has promised that he would not use the court case to stop next month’s general elections.

He is only interested in a declaration that he qualified but was unfairly disqualified by the EC, he said. Mr. Ayariga maintained that “all documents were done, filled within nomination period”, which makes it difficult for him to comprehend why he was thrown out of the contest for the second time.

He was one of the eight out of 12 nominees who resubmitted their forms, after a Supreme Court ruling, but were still disqualified by the Commission on Wednesday November 9, 2016.

Mr. Ayariga claimed Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom were given the chance to correct errors on the forms they resubmitted and questioned “Why would she deny us the opportunity if we made mistakes?” In his assessment, the basis for his disqualification “did not make sense”, calling the EC boss “liar, rude and a tyrant” who was only bent on disqualifying him.

“Clearly this shows that she doesn’t like me,” he told the media after making references to certain comments he claimed were made by the EC boss.

WORST MISTAKE

Mr. Ayariga said the appointment of Mrs. Charlotte Osei is the worst mistake ever to happen in Ghana. “In fact, Mr President, I look you in the face and tell you that her appointment is the worst mistake so far,” Hassan Ayariga burst in anger.

He contested the presidential election in 2012 on the ticket of the People’s National Convention.

He split and formed his own party after losing PNC’s primary to Dr. Edward Mahama.