Delegates to the impending national delegates’ congress of the opposition national Democratic Congress have been cautioned against electing John Dramani Mahama to lead the party into the 2020 general election as their presidential candidate.
This warning was given by Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, one of seven aspirants fighting for the NDC’s presidential slot.
According to Bagbin, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the NDC will suffer another humiliating defeat in 2020 if it makes the mistake of putting the former President forward as its flagbearer.
Same old horse
Speaking on Accra Fm, the MP for Nadowli-Kaleo said the events that conspired to position Mr. Mahama to lead the party into a terrible defeat in 2016 are repeating themselves.
“What did we not see in 2016 wherever Mahama went to campaign? The electorate poured out to clamour for him as others poured thousands of praises on him,” Mr. Bagbin said.
“The man they so much praised eventually handed us [our most] bitter defeat ever since 1992.”
Mr. Bagbin said the NDC would be making a big mistake if it tries to build the party around Mr. Mahama, though he is now seen as a “demi-god” by some party faithful.
“He has become a demi-god in the party and so even when he goes wrong and you point it out you will get his supporters verbally attacking you.
“The NDC is not John Mahama’s and the way some of them are going, I am sad we will be beaten again by the NPP in 2020 with him as our presidential candidate,” Mr. Bagbin said.
He argued that the neglect of the grass roots which deepened apathy among NDC members in 2016 is being played back again through Mr. Mahama’s campaign, even though the grass roots are the backbone of the party.
Neglects grass roots
According to Mr. Bagbin, if a candidate continues to revel in fanfare on campaign tours but meets only the regional and constituency executives, and his supporters draw the conclusion that their candidate has the overwhelming endorsement of delegates, they will find themselves disappoint by the numbers on February 23 the new date set for the NDC’s congress.
“Some of the NDC supporters’ behavior is worrisome,” Mr. Bagbin said. “It is as if an individual, instead of a party, wins election.
“Politics is not theory: it is practice, and I have records to show for my successes since I went to Parliament in 1992.
“Former President Mahama had his chance to perform …so he could be assessed, but I want to state that I have not failed before. My constituents can attest to that.”
Track record
Touting his achievements, Mr. Bagbin said he is the best candidate to lead the NDC into the 2020 elections.
“Considering my enormous record in my constituency and Parliament, I bring expansive, participatory and inclusive governance. I will organize the NDC better with systems to generate ideas when in government,” he said.
Mr. Bagbin was quick to add that he does not hate Mr. Mahama, contrary to a common notion.
“I propelled John Mahama to become President,” Mr. Bagbin said, “I don’t hate him. We are both in a contest to build the NDC – but not an individual.”
Source: The Daily Statesman
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Bagbin has fallen into the trap of King Solomon. The rival calling for the death of the baby is not its mother. You see, I asked you not to focus on Mahama but you will not listen. How do you think you can ride on the weaknesses of Mahama to win voters. Childishness
thank God haters are not God. Bagbin is full of hatred for JM...this hatred will cause your down fall. Just see the paper reporting your hate. Concentrate on your campaign on what you'll do as flag bearer/president if elected and LEAVE JM ALONE. JM is indeed a thorn in your flesh as well as your pay masters. HYPOCRITES! May you receive a hundred fold of whatever you wish for JM just as your pay masters, npp is reaping more than what they wished for JM and the ndc. Bagbin you have Dr. Spio-Garbrah to learn from...you will definitely be irrelevant in the ndc and ghana as a whole bcos of the hatred and jealousy in your life. Did JM ask the people who love him to do so...then ask people to love you too ee. JM WE LOVE YOU TO THE BIT. May God continue to jealously protect and preserve your life, Amen!
BAGBIN SHOULDNT HAVE JOIN NDC...HE SPEAKS THE TRUTH
***barred word***, lieya. Hatred, jelocy is the reason why you doing this. Know …..that JMis not your countryman from the same place with you. JM will continue to be bigger than you. You northerners are your own enemies.
Bagbin's frequent personality attacks on JDM is an indication that he (Bagbin) does not have anything good to offer the NDC party in particular and the Country Ghana as a whole. It's just an indication of nothingness in him!
this is a confirmation that you cannot win the primaries
IF MAHAMA LOOSES, HISTORY WILL REMAIN THAT HE HAS EVER BEEN A PRESIDENT OF GHANA. WHAT ABOUT YOU?. EVEN VICE PRESIDENT YOU CANNOT GET. IMPOTENT BASTARD LIKE YOU. WHO WILL VOTE FOR A CHILDLESS PERSON LIKE YOU.
Ghanaians rejected the ***barred word*** ford bribe taker in 2016 and we shall reject the incompetent one again. mahama is a spent force who has nothing new for ghanaians except to come and create, loot and share with his greedy family