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It’s inappropiate for me to name my running mate in this COVID-19 period – John Mahama

Ghana’s former President and the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has said that it is of no importance for him to either hint on or by far name his running mate for the 2020 general election amidst the outbreak of COVID-19.

Currently, the conduct of the December 7, 2020 polls remains uncertain given the fact that many of the electoral activities in the build-up to the polls have been put on hold until further notice as a result of the pandemic.

The ban on public gatherings, imposed on Ghanaians has halted all political activities therefore making it practically impossible to embark on political campaigns which is the first step to conduct elections.

Already, the Electoral Commission (EC) has suspended its compilation of a new voters’ register which was initially planned for April 18, 2020 due to COVID-19.

John Mahama was elected as flagbearer of the NDC in February 2019. He is yet to name a running mate over a year on despite intense political pressure on him.

In a Facebook live session aimed at interacting with his party faithfuls and sympathizers as well as the general public on Thursday, April 30, Mr. Mahama made it known that his NDC will announce his partner at the right time.

“I have a firm idea who I want my running mate to be and we would name him at the appropriate time. We have timelines that we are working on. We have to build up our national campaign team. We have to name and outdoor our running mate. We have to publish and inaugurate our manifesto. These are all timelines that the party is working on. We are not late at all. The deadline for naming our running mate will be when the Electoral Commission opens nominations somewhere in September and so we do have enough time,” he said.

“But in the midst of COVID-19, what is the use of naming a running mate? You can’t even outdoor him. The President is encouraging all of us to stay at home and this is not the most opportune time to come out and name your running mate. After I’ve done consultation at the appropriate time with the National Executive Committee and the Council of Elders, we will bring the person; the person who will be worthy of being the NDC’s running mate and who will a significant contribution to the progress and prosperity of this country.” He continued,

Rumours of an NDC running mate

In past years, there has been speculation about prominent NDC members being selected as Mahama’s running mate.

A number of names have been flying around among which are very prominent and promising. However, the party is yet to make an official announcement.

A few weeks back,John Dramani Mahama, refuted reports suggesting he has named a running mate for the 2020 general elections.

For this year only, there have been reports making rounds indicating that the former president had selected the Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, Eric Opoku as his running mate.

Late in 2019, rumours had it that Ghana’s longest-serving Finance Minister, Professor Kwesi Botchwey had been chosen as a running mate to Mr. Mahama.

Prior to the NDC internal election in 2018, people were speculating that John Mahama has named Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings, daughter of former president and NDC founder, Jerry John Rawlings as his running mate to snatch power from the NPP government.

But the spokesperson for John Mahama, James Agyenim Boateng, in a statement to the media said the reports are false and called on Ghanaians to disregard it.

But amidst all these rumours and expectations, the party’s National Chairman, Ofosu Ampofo says the absence of a running mate for the party’s flagbearer is not a cause for concern and never pose any threat the party’s victory in the forthcoming election.

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