Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, A.B.A. Fuseini, says John Mahama’s popularity will be demonstrated when he obtains more than 85% of votes in the upcoming primaries of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

His comments was in reaction to that of former Ambassador to the UAE, Daniel Osei, which suggested that the opposition party is doomed should John Mahama win the flagbearer race.

The former Ambassador said on Adom FM’s current affairs show, Burning Issues Monday that “Mahama’s only reason for wanting to come back is rooted in greed and there is no explanation for his wanting to come back.”

He said former President Mahama presided over a corrupt government of family and friends and he “lacks the focus and discipline to take [NDC] to victory”.

According to him, John Mahama does not believe in the key variables that ensure victory at polls – registering people, mobilising supporters to turn out and vote and a convincing message – but instead he “has cultivated this culture of sycophancy around him.”

Among the many wild allegations which the former Ambassador made against former President Mahama include a damaging one that suggests the former President drinks excessively and hence lacks the discipline to bring the NDC back to power.

Photo: Mr Osei alleged that Mr. Mahama's favourite flask always contain alcohol

However, responding to the allegations by the ex-Ambassador on the same show, the Sagnarigu legislator said Daniel Osei is not a true party member.

A.B.A Fuseini said Mr Osei does not appreciate the fact that men make mistakes including the appointment of him (Daniel Osei) by John Mahama as an Ambassador.

Mr Fuseini added that is clear that Mr Osei has an agenda to destroy former President Mahama because “when the handshake passes the elbow, it’s no longer a greeting but a fight and what this man is doing is no longer a criticism to construct but an agenda to destroy not only President Mahama but the NDC.”

In response to the intoxication allegation, the Mr Fuseini, who is also Minority Spokesperson on Communications, said the allegation must be “treated with all the contempt that it deserves.”

“Everybody knows former President Mahama is not a drunkard and for [Mr Osei] to even make such an allegation, nobody would take you seriously,” he said.

He said it is clear that former President Mahama made the biggest mistake to appoint Mr Osei as an Ambassador during his administration.

Hon A.B.A Fuseini has asked the former Ambassador to support whoever he deems fit for the race rather than tarnishing the image of Mr Mahama. So far six persons have declared their intention to contest for the NDC flagbearer race.

John Mahama is the favourite among the five other presidential aspirants -- Dr Ekwow Spio-Gabrah,  Professor Joshua Alabi, Sylvester Mensah, Stephen Atubiga and Alban Bagbin.