NPP�s True Democratic Forum On Tensions In The Party

A political grouping within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the True Democratic Forum, has raised red flags over tensions in the Party. The four-page press release, jointly signed by Isaah Okai, Barima Sarpong and Richard Asiedu, focused on an article written by a leading member of the Party, Brig-Gen. (rtd) J. Odei, The article in question was headed � THE THREAT TO NPP 2016 � REMOVE THE WEDGE�. The Forum alleged that the retired General, as head of the Party�s Research team in 2008, was responsible for the imposition of parliamentary candidates, an act which led to numerous instances of �skirt and blouse� voting. The Forum described untrue, Gen. Odei�s assertion that certain persons had been planning to remove Nana Akufo-Addo from the final list of five candidates. They also accused the retired military officer of mischief by maligning the about 10 leading members of the Party who are interested in contesting for the 2016 slot. Gen. Odei had said some of the names were part of a plot to increase the number of candidates to beyond five, to trigger the mini-election to select the top five candidates. The Forum said they had relised that it was the retired General�s wish for Nana Akufo-Addo to be elected as the NPP�s 2016 flagbearer, unopposed.