Nat’l Tymes News Desk
THE NATIONAL Democratic Congress (NDC) has cautioned aspirants contesting the Ayawaso East parliamentary primaries to desist from campaigns of insults and personal attacks, urging them instead to focus on issue-based and peaceful engagement.
Addressing delegates and parliamentary aspirants at a stakeholders’ meeting in the constituency, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC in charge of Operations, Mr. Mustapha Gbandi—popularly known as Foyo, stressed the need for decency, unity and discipline ahead of the primaries.
Mr. Gbandi expressed concern over reports that supporters of some aspirants had resorted to name-calling and abusive language on television, radio and other platforms in attempts to tarnish the image of opponents.
According to him, such conduct only deepens divisions within the party and threatens the unity required to win the upcoming by-election.
“Insults and personal attacks will not help the party. They rather create cracks among aspirants and supporters, making it difficult for us to unite and campaign effectively after the primaries,” he warned.
In showing appreciation of turnout at the meeting at sheet notices, he noted that the NDC is not interested in politics of insults and will not tolerate actions that undermine peace in the constituency. Aspirants and their supporters, he said, must focus on selling ideas and competence to delegates rather than attacking opponents.
Mr. Gbandi further reminded party members that elections always produce winners and losers, and that those who do not emerge victorious are expected to rally behind the winner for the collective good of the party.
He issued a strong warning that any aspirant or supporter found maligning fellow aspirants could face outright disqualification, stressing that a civil campaign is necessary to preserve peace and protect the political reputation of Nima and the Ayawaso East Constituency.
The Deputy General Secretary also cautioned delegates against engaging in unethical practices, including secretly recording aspirants they visit or moving from one camp to another solely for financial inducements. Such behaviour, he said, amounts to hypocrisy and would not be tolerated.
Among the aspirants contesting the primaries are Ghana’s Envoy to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed; Constituency Chairman, Mohammed Ramne; Dr. Yakubu Azindow, a lecturer based in Massachusetts, USA; Mohammed Abdul Salam; Najib Mohammed Sani and Hajia Amina Adams, wife of the late Member of Parliament, Hon. Mac Nasser Manama Touré, along with three other contenders.
Mr. Gbandi was joined at the meeting by the Deputy Director of Elections of the NDC, Mr. Madi Jibrel; the Greater Accra Tehional Zango Caucus Coordinator, Smaila Ali Horoya; and all constituency executives.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Gbandi disclosed that the National Executive Committee of the NDC would directly supervise the primaries to ensure a peaceful, fair and transparent process. He said the party remains determined to retain the Ayawaso East seat in honour of the late Hon. Mac Nasser Manama Touré and called on all stakeholders to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values of the party.
“Let no one bring disrepute to Nima and Ayawaso East through unacceptable behaviour in the name of primaries,” he urged.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
