Political science lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor John Osei Bobie Boahen, has revealed that the outcome of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential race will be decided by the delegates of the party and not necessarily who tops the favorites chart.
According to him, the delegates decide the fate of those contesting for the position. Although the experience of those vying for the positions is important, he indicated that that is not the only yardstick for determining the winner of the presidential race.
Prof Boahen stated that the winner from the election could be anybody contesting and restricting the contest to just the Vice President and former trades minister, Alan Kyerematen, isn’t the way to go. He explained that currently, there hasn’t been any scientific research to prove that these two persons are the leading figures in the party or have the possibility of becoming the candidate for the presidential election in 2024.
“It can’t be Alan or Bawumia. We have others who are also popping up… So, I wouldn’t want to come out to say that Alan or Bawumia because others are on the ground and they’re doing their own thing. When you come to general party contests, fear delegates. You can show all the capabilities and all that, but the onus lies on the delegates to decide. However, I can confirm that the two gentlemen have done the best that they can. They’ve really sold themselves out to Ghanaians as people with passion for the nation, innovative ideas to support the nation and I think it can go to anyone’s favor.”
Professor John Osei Bobie Boahen
Vice President garners support in party’s presidential race
Commenting on a statement made by Farouk Aliu Mahama, member of Parliament for Yendi, who expressed his support for Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and tipped him to win the contest, Prof Boahen highlighted that the contest is anybody’s game although the Vice President has a greater chance of success.
Again, Prof Boahen stated that considering other factors, the Vice President has done a lot more and much more advantages over all the other. However, he iterated that the “ultimate will be decided by the delegates”.
“This alone will convince anybody else that it is your ability to convince the delegates that you have the potential to win and win good for the party at the general elections. So, I can’t simply come out to say that this or that person will win; except I can voice out that these people have really demonstrated the ability to lead the nation should they be given the opportunity…”
Professor John Osei Bobie Boahen
Elaborating on the chances of the Vice President winning the race, the political scientist emphasized that among other people who are eligible to contest, Dr Bawumia has over the years proven his ability to lead the nation, having assisted the current President. He stated that the Vice President made the greatest mark for himself after the 2012 elections during the court proceedings where he had to stand in for the party to defend why the elections should be declared in their favor.
“… He did a lot and that won the respect of many Ghanaians. So, I think that alone gave him a very big plus. Thereafter, the current President gave him a lot of opportunities to perform, and he took advantage to give practical ideas, he’s been able to sell himself to the public as someone who is a creative thinker and can equally come out with ideas to help salvage our economic and social challenges.”
Professor John Osei Bobie Boahen
Prof Boahen underscored that due to the sterling performance of the Vice President, if someone is recommending him as the best to come after President Akufo-Addo, he will not argue very much with the person provided the grassroots of the party who are the kingmakers also agree with the view of the individual.
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