In a press statement released on December 4, 2023, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has addressed the disqualification of Michael Nii Yarboi Annan from contesting the parliamentary primary in the Odododiodio Constituency.
The Functional Executive Committee (FEC) of the party stated that it made this decision based on the findings and recommendations of the Special Committee chaired by Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho.
The press release aimed to clarify misconceptions surrounding the disqualification and presented the comprehensive report of the Special Committee, highlighting key findings.
“The Functional Executive Committee upheld and adopted the well-grounded recommendations of the Adjaho Committee, which clearly established that Mr. Michael Nii Yarboi Annan is not qualified to contest in the NDC’s parliamentary primaries in the Odododiodio Constituency…
“Notice is hereby served, that any member who disregards or violates the laid down grievance resolution procedures of the party will be severely dealt with in accordance with law. The leadership of the party will not countenance any acts of indiscipline, vandalism and anti-party behavior, that has the potential to bring the name of the party into disrepute.”
NDC
Michael Nii Yarboi Annan was identified as a former member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), having contested and lost the NPP parliamentary primary in the Odododiodio Constituency in September 2019.
Some constituency executives expressed dissatisfaction with an ex-NPP member like Mr. Annan being allowed to contest in the NDC parliamentary primary without meeting the mandatory four-year membership requirement.
Mr. Annan financially supported the election campaign of several constituency executives during the 2022 constituency elections, raising questions about his impartiality.
A secret oral agreement was revealed, involving the Member of Parliament, the Constituency Chairman, and the Constituency Deputy Secretary, to make Mr. Annan a member of the party in the Constituency. The Constituency Secretary was excluded from this agreement.
An analysis of Mr. Annan’s NDC membership cards revealed discrepancies, including an old card with an EC Voter ID acquired in July 2020 and a new card without a date of issuance.
Despite claiming to join the NDC in 2019, evidence showed Mr. Annan’s public association with the NPP after 2019, including participating in an NPP program and officially defecting from the NPP to the NDC in 2021.
“The NDC is a party that is governed by established rules and principles of equity, fairness and justice. No member of the party is bigger than or above the party.
“The Constitution of the party has clearly provided internal procedures and mechanisms for addressing intra-party grievances. Any member of the party who is aggrieved by a decision of the party is hereby entreated to seek redress, in strict adherence to the dictates of the Constitution of the party.”
NDC
The FEC upheld and adopted the recommendations of the Adjaho Committee, confirming Mr. Annan’s disqualification due to his failure to meet the mandatory four-year membership requirement. The NDC reaffirms its dedication to the principles of equity, fairness, and justice, emphasizing that no member is above the party. The leadership warns against acts of indiscipline and anti-party behavior, signaling strict consequences for those disregarding party rules.
The NDC’s press statement provides clarity on the disqualification of Michael Nii Yarboi Annan, reinforcing the party’s commitment to internal procedures, transparency, and maintaining a united front as it prepares for the upcoming parliamentary primary in the Odododiodio Constituency.
This follows some disturbances from Mr. Michael Nii Yarboi Annan’s followers at the party’s headquarters requesting the party to reinstate him as a parliamentary candidate. during their disturbances, there were reported incidences of vandalism which resulted in some destructions of property.
Mr. Annan and his followers might have to the end of the road for his bid to become a member of parliament on the ticket of the NDC.
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