Focus On Reorganization, Not My Candidature – Mahama

Former President, John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his belief that it would be unwise for him to declare his intention to contest whilst the party is still reorganising after its defeat in the 2016 polls.

According to the former president, it is important for the party to focus on the efforts to mend the cracks within its fold, and strengthen its structures as it aims to recapture power in 2020.

“On the issue of considering the request of party colleagues and supporters to lead the NDC to the 2020 Elections, HE John Mahama’s position, as stated in Cape Coast, remains that it will be premature to announce his decision whether or not to contest, in view of the ongoing reorganization efforts of the Party,” a statement signed by the Special Aide to the former President, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, said.

His latest comments come after calls from all 10 regional chairmen of the NDC for him to consider running for the 2020 polls.

The chairmen’s statement has not gone down well with some officials of the party, with a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Kofi Kukubor, calling on the party’s Council of elders to take “swift action” against them.

John Mahama asked that the party’s processes be observed, whilst pledging his own commitment to ensuring the party bounces back from their disappointing loss in 2016.

“The former president further repeated his earlier call on all members of the NDC to focus on the ongoing restructuring and reorganization exercise, whilst pledging his commitment and support for the process and the party. He also advised leadership of the party to continue to work towards establishing a level playing field during the upcoming internal party elections.”

Discussions with party over ‘Thank You Tour’

John Dramani Mahama also stated that, he will hold discussions with the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over when to stage a nationwide ‘Thank You’ tour.

According to the statement, the former President has  “always wanted to thank Ghanaians for their support and cooperation during his tenure as both Vice President and President of the Republic of Ghana” and would settle on a schedule after a meeting with the party.”

This comes after calls from the regional chairmen of the NDC for the former President to embark on the tour, though belated.

In a statement issued on Thursday, following a meeting with John Mahama, the chairmen noted that the former president’s presence in all the regions would help in the party’s reconciliatory and healing process.

Following the NDC’s defeat in the December 2016, there appear to be pockets of disgruntled members divided over who was responsible for the party’s defeat.

The National leadership of the party tasked a special Committee led by Prof. Kwesi Botchwey to tour the country to listen to concerns of party members.

However, since the Committee completed its work, various supposed leaked contents of their final report have added to the animosity within the party, despite attempts by several senior officials to distance themselves from the document.

Source: Citifmonline