PNC Reg. Sec. Playing ?stomach politics?

The leadership of the PNC is threatening legal action against the party?s Ashanti Regional Secretary, Thomas Atigah for defecting to the NPP.

Three days to the Asawase bye-elections, Thomas Atigah is canvassing for votes for the NPP?s candidate Alhaji Musah Sheriff, days after declaring his support for the governing party.

He alleges that the PNC does not have functional structures to make an impact in the election.

But the founding member of the party Alhaji Baba Hamidu Ayogbe says Mr. Atigah?s unilateral action constitute a breach of the PNC code of conduct.

He has therefore given the regional secretary a week to withdraw the statement of face legal action.

The 81-year old founding member accused Mr. Atigah of resorting to what he termed ?stomach politics? because he missed the chances to contest in the by elections following his poor showing in the 2004 general elections.

Mr. Atigah contested the Asawase seat in last December Parliamentary elections and polled just over 1,400 votes.

The party?s candidate in Thursday?s polls Ibrahim Issaka Mohammed has expressed shock at the news, describing it as unfortunate.

?Being a regional secretary we expected him to set a good example for others but if he can stoop too low then it is unfortunate,? he says.

He dismissed claims by Mr. Atigah that the PNC had no structures to contest the bye-elections.