Information reaching to this paper indicates that some kingpins in the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly, the party’s Northern Caucus have indicated their preparedness to support Dr. Clement Apaak, who is a Presidential Staffer and the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Builsa-South Constituency in the Upper East region,in the November 7 polls.
According to sources close to the Adabraka headquarters of the NDC, “The party can no longer allow the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Hon. Alhassan Azong who is the candidate for the People’s National Convention to represent the constituency in parliament for the third time in a roll”.Look his (Hon. Azong) contribution to the constituency is insignificant considering his position as a Minister in charge of Public Sector Reforms”, the sources said.
Meanwhile, the Upper East regional and Builsa-South constituency executives have unanimously declared their support for Dr. Apaak.
Though they all admitted that the contest would not be an easy one, they are very optimistic that Dr. Apaak would win hands down come November 7.
Describing him as the grassroots man, affable, a unifier, knowledgeable and above all, a committed NDC member, the executives in their recent meeting in the constitue4ncy were left with no doubt that their candidate would emerge victorious.
For instance, when asked why they are bent on reclaiming the seat from the PNC, the NDC’s Constituency Secretary for Builsa South, Ben Adocta said ,“ if Hon Azong has no respect for President John Dramani Mahama, then we the NDC here (referring to Builsa South) will let him know that we made him who he is today”.
He added: “If Hon Azong claims his party’s flag-bearer, Dr. Edward Nasigri Mahama is his father, and therefore the people of Builsa South should vote for him and Dr. Mahama, the NDC is also saying Dr. Apaak is President Mahama’s son and for that matter, the electorates should vote for President Mahama and Dr Apaak as well.
According to him, it would be suicidal for the electorates in the constituency to retain Hon Azong since he cannot help the course of ‘our constituency”
He was full of praise for Dr Apaak for his contribution to the party both at the regional and constituency levels.
For his part, the former Minister of Interior and the incumbent MP for Navrongo Central, Hon Mark Woyongo, who chaired the meeting, did not mince words when he called on the rank and file of the NDC and the people of Builsa South to vote massively for Dr. Apaak and President Mahama.
In his opinion, Dr. Apaak stands tall amongst all the candidates, and further described him as someone who understood the language of the NDC foot-soldiers in the region.
He pointed out that, the failure of NDC in the Builsa South constituency to elect Dr. Apaak would spell doom for the party in the Upper East region.
To that end, he urged the constituency executives including; the youth in the constituency to work tirelessly so as to ensure total victory for both Dr. Apaak and President Mahama.
Also on his part, speaking on one of the local radio stations in Accra last week, the Deputy General Secretary of NDC, George Lawson said, “We the NDC respect the choice of the good people of our party members in Builsa-South constituency for electing Dr. Apaak to represent them in the next Parliament”.
<<Print>>