NPP Chairmanship Race: It’s Ntim Vrs Blay

The battle lines have been drawn with the tone set for a fierce competition for the Chairmanship slot of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Two party bigwigs- current Acting National Chairman, Freddie Blay and Stephen Ntim are expected to slug it out as a third contender-Alhaji Abubakari Abdul Rahman withdraws from the race.

The choice between the two has become rather too close to call in a party that has a history of unpredictable delegates.

Although, the withdrawal of Alhaji Abubakari, who is also the Upper West Regional Chairman of the party from the race does not come as a surprise, it is yet surprising especial as the politician known aka Alhaji Short had earlier vehemently denied reports of possibly throwing in the towel.

THE PUBLISHER in its May 15, 2018 edition stated that Alhaji Short was most likely to drop out of the race, a publication he refuted.

However, Kwabena Marfo, Campaign Manager of Alhaji Short in a statement issued yesterday while appearing to vindicate the paper’s story, the politician apologized to his supporters over his decision to withdraw, and further thanked them for their immense support.

“To all my supporters and sympathizers, I want to thank you for your support. To the grassroots of our party who wished me well, thank you for your encouragement. And to all the members of my team, I thank you for your dedication. To all and sundry, I apologise for any inconvenience my decision has caused you,” he indicated.

Blay

Freddie Blay is touted by his supporters as being the ‘winning chairman’ under whose leadership the party won the 2016 polls.

He is the owner of the Daily Guide newspaper, an astute lawyer, and a politician.

Admittedly, his quest to become the substantive chairman has been more colorful and obviously more visible than his closest contender, Stephen Ntim.

His critics has argued that he is running a colorful campaign because of his wealth and resources.

Stephen Ntim

Stephen Ntim has had three unsuccessful attempts at grabbing the National Chairman slot but has expressed strong faith he would be lucky on his third attempt this time.

He, like Blay, has also served as first National Vice Chair of the party. But his added advantage is that he was once upon the time the NPP Regional Chairman for Brong Ahafo.

His loyalty, service, dedication, commitment and contribution to the fortunes of the party is clear and can be seen even by the visually challenged and has been heard by persons with hearing impairments.

By: Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum