The former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu, Hon. Kwabena Owusu Aduomi has declared that he will contest the empty Ejisu seat as an independent candidate, citing the reluctance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to deal with crucial concerns with the voter album and the selection process of polling Executives as the reasons for his decision.
The Campaign Aide for the former MP, Nana Osei Bonsu, indicated that the selection of polling station Executives for election in the Ejisu Constituency was not done per the general practice.
He alleged that the polling Executives were handpicked by the deceased MP, John Kumah, without consulting other aspirants and argued that despite their disapproval, the party refused to pay heed hence they resorted to legal means.
He noted his disappointment at the NPP’s decision to hold a primary election in the Ejisu constituency despite the party’s failure to reconcile the underlying differences between the former MP and his boss, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, and the party.
“This decision [to contest as an independent candidate] is even in response to calls by constituents. If you come here and conduct an opinion poll, you’ll find out that almost everybody is calling for a comeback. So it is a response to that call. We are more than confident, we have an exceeding confidence that we will win this election”.
Nana Osei Bonsu
Furthermore, he noted that the former MP has severed ties with the NPP and will fill a nomination as an independent candidate once the Electoral Commission (EC) opens nominations for Members of Parliament. He hinted that the Campaign drive of the former MP will start right after the nomination has been filed.
Nana Osei Bonsu alleged that during his boss’ tenure in office as MP for Ejisu, the constituency witnessed massive development in infrastructure than any other constituency in the Ashanti region, emphasizing that the former MP’s chance of winning is high.
“The people have seen for themselves and they felt his absence when he was not there and this is why they are calling for his comeback. They want a continuation of what he has started already”. – Nana Osei Bonsu
Selection Process, Undemocratic
According to the statement released earlier today, 12th April 2024, the former MP’s aide indicated that the irregularities that marred the Ejisu polling Executive election are unacceptable in any democratic society, emphasizing that the event was a blatant disregard for the party’s (NPP) constitution and its fundamental principles.
“Such actions have rightfully stirred vehement protests from conscientious party members and stakeholders across the nation. The issue has even found its way into the courts for adjudication, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for redress”.
Nana Osei Bonsu
Accordingly, the statement noted that Hon. Owusu-Aduomi’s decision to contest the by-election as an independent candidate underscores his unwavering commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring transparency and accountability within the party.
The statement also emphasized that by refusing to participate in an ostensibly flawed process, the former Member of Parliament sends a clear message that integrity and fairness must triumph, even at the expense of personal political aspirations.
While Nana Osei Bonsu asserted that the former Ejisu Legislator’s decision stemmed from the call of the people, the public is yet to find out the reaction of the constituents of the Ejisu constituency.
However, the former MP remains firm in his belief that he will win the by-election and thereby have the opportunity to serve the Ejisu constituency again.
Meanwhile, the NPP is preparing to conduct a primary election in the Ejisu constituency tomorrow, 13th April 2024, to elect a candidate to represent the party in the April 30th by-elections to be conducted by the Electoral Commission.
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