Delegates to the impending national delegates’ congress of the opposition national Democratic Congress have been cautioned against electing John Dramani Mahama to lead the party into the 2020 general election as their presidential candidate.

This warning was given by Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, one of seven aspirants fighting for the NDC’s presidential slot.

According to Bagbin, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the NDC will suffer another humiliating defeat in 2020 if it makes the mistake of putting the former President forward as its flagbearer.

Same old horse

Speaking on Accra Fm, the MP for Nadowli-Kaleo said the events that conspired to position Mr. Mahama to lead the party into a terrible defeat in 2016 are repeating themselves.

“What did we not see in 2016 wherever Mahama went to campaign? The electorate poured out to clamour for him as others poured thousands of praises on him,” Mr. Bagbin said.

“The man they so much praised eventually handed us [our most] bitter defeat ever since 1992.”

Mr. Bagbin said the NDC would be making a big mistake if it tries to build the party around Mr. Mahama, though he is now seen as a “demi-god” by some party faithful.

“He has become a demi-god in the party and so even when he goes wrong and you point it out you will get his supporters verbally attacking you.

“The NDC is not John Mahama’s and the way some of them are going, I am sad we will be beaten again by the NPP in 2020 with him as our presidential candidate,” Mr. Bagbin said.

He argued that the neglect of the grass roots which deepened apathy among NDC members in 2016 is being played back again through Mr. Mahama’s campaign, even though the grass roots are the backbone of the party.

Neglects grass roots

According to Mr. Bagbin, if a candidate continues to revel in fanfare on campaign tours but meets only the regional and constituency executives, and his supporters draw the conclusion that their candidate has the overwhelming endorsement of delegates, they will find themselves disappoint by the numbers on February 23 the new date set for the NDC’s congress.

“Some of the NDC supporters’ behavior is worrisome,” Mr. Bagbin said. “It is as if an individual, instead of a party, wins election.

“Politics is not theory: it is practice, and I have records to show for my successes since I went to Parliament in 1992.

“Former President Mahama had his chance to perform …so he could be assessed, but I want to state that I have not failed before. My constituents can attest to that.”

Track record

Touting his achievements, Mr. Bagbin said he is the best candidate to lead the NDC into the 2020 elections.

“Considering my enormous record in my constituency and Parliament, I bring expansive, participatory and inclusive governance. I will organize the NDC better with systems to generate ideas when in government,” he said.

Mr. Bagbin was quick to add that he does not hate Mr. Mahama, contrary to a common notion.

“I propelled John Mahama to become President,” Mr. Bagbin said, “I don’t hate him. We are both in a contest to build the NDC – but not an individual.”