Former President John Dramani Mahama has called on members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) not to renege on their efforts to bring the party back into government for the best interest of the country.
In a message to congratulate the party’s newly elected parliamentary candidates, Mr. Mahama reminded the successful and defeated aspirants that they have a duty to work hand in hand with all others to achieve the party’s collective goal.
Referring to the election as a demonstration of a matured political party, the former President said he was confident in the abilities of all who have the party at heart to ensure the NDC’s victory in the 2020 elections.
“I have great confidence in your collective abilities. Let’s win 2020 together for the greater good of Ghana. Let me remind us all that we have a duty, whether as victors, losers, members and sympathisers of the NDC to work together with our Constituency and Branch Executives for Victory 2020,” he posted on his Facebook wall.
Prior to Saturday’s election, the NDC flagbearer asked the delegates to vote decisively for aspirants who were prepared to help the party recapture power from the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the next general election.
“To you our dear Delegates, the power is in your hands. Let’s select the best candidates who are ready and willing to serve you and your communities, work for you and campaign with you to wrestle power from the NPP in 2020.”
Here is Mr. Mahama’s full message
“On behalf of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), I extend to all successful candidates our congratulations on your election to represent the party in the 2020 parliamentary election.
Of course, I congratulate all aspirants who could not make it this time. We demonstrated again, on Saturday, that we have matured as a political party and have a strong belief in competitive engagements.
Let me remind us all that we have a duty, whether as victors, losers, members and sympathisers of the NDC to work together with our Constituency and Branch Executives for Victory 2020.
I have great confidence in your collective abilities.
Let’s win 2020 together for the greater good of Ghana.
Once again, Congratulations!”
NDC parliamentary primaries
The primaries which witnessed a number of occasions saw some incumbent Members of Parliament maintaining their seats while a few were rejected by the delegates.
First-timers such as actor John Dumelo floored his only contender, Madam Adoboe who managed with paltry 99 votes.
The Sekondi Chief fisherman, Charles Hagan, popularly referred to as Panya caused a massive upset in the Sekondi parliamentary primary after he beat off competition from two former government appointees to emerge winner.
In all, the election took place in 157 constituencies for 524 aspirants who battled it out for the parliamentary candidate slot.
The primaries in Asawase, Ellembelle, Fanteakwa North, Mpohor and Yilo Krobo constituencies were suspended.
While there was no election in 39 other constituencies where incumbent Members of Parliaments or aspirants contested unopposed six aspirants were disqualified a few days to the polls.