Mills Names Running Mate Today

Members of the National Democratic Congress will be holding a crunch meeting on Wednesday to determine the controversial issue of who becomes the party’s running mate in the 2008 elections. The upcoming decision has revealed differences of opinion within the party itself. Some officials say although an agreement may be reached at the meeting, an official announcement might not be made immediately. But the Member of Parliament for Tamale South expressed the hope that the matter would be determined to enable the party to focus its attention on the campaigns. An element of the controversy has to do with who actually has the final say in who becomes the NDC vice presidential candidate. That has been fueled by comments by the former fist lady to the effect that the flag bearer of the NDC Prof. Mills would not be allowed to have his way. Responding to this Mr. Iddrisu quoted Article 44 of the party’s constitution which says that the “party’s presidential candidate shall nominate his running mate”. He said not even the National Executive Committee could determine who the running mate should be. According Mr. Iddrisu who is the NDC Youth Organiser the party must brace itself up to contain any fall outs from the selection process. The party he said must respect the fact that sections of the party may not be happy with the final decision. Three persons are being considered for the job with the MP for Bole Bamboi, Mr. John Dramani Mahama being the favourite. The other two are Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni who partnered Prof. Mills in the 2004 elections and a London based lawyer, Mrs. Betty Mould Iddrisu. The former first lady is advocating the selection of Mrs. Betty Iddrisu and says she will be disappointed if Prof. Mills does not choose her for the position. Mr Haruna Iddrisu said he respected her right to make the comments but added he would have wished that she sought audience with the flag bearer to explain her position. According to him many of Mrs Rawlings’ comments and assertions could be disputed. He said Prof. Mills would choose one of the three or he may spring a surprise on Ghanaians.