Kofi Tonto, Political Aide to NPP’s flagbearer Dr. Bawumia, has challenged the findings of Global InfoAnalytics’ polls, which suggest that an overwhelming 95% of NPP defectors migrated to John Mahama’s camp, increasing his support by over 8%.
He pointed out that if the data shows a shift in the Ashanti region with Mahama’s support from NPP defectors increasing by 25-40%, it would be consistent with his typical electoral performance in the area, making it a plausible outcome.
“If you say that he [Mahama] had a shift of 95%… I find it a bit interesting. We’ve seen a shift among four candidates and the shift, 95% or so went to just one candidate within a region that is not his stronghold… We will take time and dissect the data and really look at [it] to see if there is any validity in it”.
“But then, it is imperative to also state that Mussa has run some data and some of them have remained questionable. The last one that Fitch used, Mussa Dankwah was saying that Mahama will get 95% in Oforikrom if I recall correctly. I mean, how is that possible?”
Kofi Tonto
Tonto acknowledged the efforts of Global InfoAnalytics and Mussa Dankwah in compiling the survey report, and while he may have reservations about certain aspects of the findings, he emphasized that he is not entirely dismissing the report’s validity.
He acknowledged that the NPP will take the poll outcome seriously, but expressed concerns about the polling strategy and data attribution employed by Mussa Dankwah’s agency, which they feel require closer examination.
According to Kofi Tonto, the NPP remains committed to a thorough and inclusive campaign, connecting with the electorate and articulating its vision, unaffected by the outcome of the polls.
Tonto highlighted the NPP’s commitment to a dual-pronged campaign approach, focusing on consolidating support in its core base while simultaneously making inroads in historically challenging areas, to boost its chances of success in the December polls.
NDC Commits To Data-Driven Approach for 2024 Elections
Furthermore, Mustapha Gbande, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, emphasized that the party will remain data-driven, considering all research findings, including those that may not align with its expectations to inform its strategy and secure victory in the 2024 elections.
Gbande pointed out that the NDC’s strategy goes beyond research, also taking into account the pulse of the nation, recognizing that Ghanaians’ emotional connections and gut feelings will play a significant role in shaping their voting decisions.
He expressed gratitude for the various polls emerging from different sources, citing a recent survey conducted by a radio station in the Ashanti region, which suggests that the NPP has lost the trust of the electorate and is no longer deemed worthy of governance.
“We are happy. Even if it [Global InfoAnalytics polls] was against us, we are happy and we still believe that it is a good research work. But what happened to the report from BNI? Recently, they [BNI] briefed the President that they [the NPP] are losing the election because there is general disenchantment against them”.
Mustapha Gbande
Gbande expressed confidence that the NDC’s focus on securing victory at the polls remains unwavering, despite the outcome of any polls conducted, as the party is committed to its winning strategy.
He pointed out that a cursory glance at the Ashanti region reveals a significant erosion of support for Bawumia, as evidenced by the 38% of NPP members who withheld their endorsement during the Presidential primaries, a trend that is self-evident and requires no expert analysis to understand.
Gbande criticized the NPP for consistently dismissing unfavorable polls, sarcastically noting that the party’s persistent denial of unfavorable poll results ironically works to the NDC’s advantage.
These comments come on the heels of a recent poll conducted by Global InfoAnalytics, which reveals Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia maintaining a lead, although John Mahama is making strides and increasing his share of the vote.
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