Ahead of the ruling National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) official opening of nomination for primaries, some grassroot supporters of the party at the Madina constituency are knocking on the doors of lawyer Kojo Sosu to rescue the party from falling into the hands of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
On daily basis, scores of NDC supporters troop to his office to appeal to him to consider leading the party in the constituency because they have lost confidence in the incumbent Member of Parliament, Alhaji Amadu Sorogho.
Leading the crusade are the various youth groups, some executive members and long serving NDC gurus from all the 161 polling stations in the constituency who are not happy about the leadership of the party and how the party is gradually losing its popularity.
Speaking to the DAILY HERITAGE in an interview, a diehard member of the party and lead campaigner, William Ofori Nsiah said the area has about 90,000 voter population which has the potential to really determine who wins the presidential election in 2016; therefore, they need a credible and marketable new face that can win more votes for the ruling NDC.
Mr. Nsiah said the NDC must ensure that parliamentary candidates’ votes lead to an increase in the votes for the presidential candidate.
He said the vote pattern for the last three terms clearly shows growing voter apathy and gradual and proportional reduction in the presidential votes and those of the parliamentary.
Mr. Nsiah revealed that in 2004, the NDC had 31,239 votes representing 50.91% against the opposition NPP’s 28,768, representing 46.88% in the Presidential election, while in the parliamentary; the NDC had 32,080 (50.20%) as against NPP’s 30,330 votes (47.40%).
Again in 2008, when the NDC came to power, the late President Atta Mills polled 34,571 (54.65%) against the NPP figure of 27,708 (43.80%), while in the parliamentary, the NDC got 30,717 (70.11%) against the NPP who polled 13,098 votes (29.89%).
He added that, in the year 2012, the dwindling popularity of the NDC MP became more evident in the presidential as the party recorded total votes of 45,626 (56.49%) against the NPP who had 34,657 votes (42.91%) with a vote difference of 10,969; while in the parliamentary, the NDC won by 41,441 (52.07%) as against that of the NPP’s 34,845 votes (43.78%), losing over 4,000 votes in the parliamentary election.
“A critical analysis of the above facts and statistics coupled with the fact of growing voter apathy in the constituency are accounting for my reasons why Madina needs a new face to help get the votes for the President,” he stated.
Mr. Nsiah reiterated that, in 2016, President Mahama needs parliamentary candidates who will make it possible to seal the victory. “As it is, I don’t see the current MP as fitting into that new scheme of things, unless he has some new magic up his sleeves.
“What has made it more difficult and tense is the election of the opposition NPP’s former Minister of Water Resource, Works and Housing, Boniface Sadique Abubakah who poses a serious threat to the party.”
On her part, the Deputy Women’s’ Organizer at the Madina constituency, Hajia Alima said Lawyer Sosu will be a good candidate considering his vast experience, openness and submissiveness to all people in the constituency.
She added that, a man who fears God likewise respects his fellow human beings and as a street boy who has taken it upon himself to help the needy in society, he will surely be a good material for parliament.
The Youth Organizer of Redco branch, Osman Moro debunked the claim that Lawyer Sosu is new in the constituency, adding that after rising from the grassroots to become a branch chairman at Oyarifa, there is no doubt that he is ready to serve the constituency.
He said having established a Centre for Poverty Alleviation in helping the less-privileged in society such as Kayeye women, a computer centre for training the youth and also handle cases at the court for NDC supporters, he deserves to be given the chance.
In an interview with the paper over calls from his party supporters to lead the party, Lawyer Sosu said even though the party has not officially opened nomination for primaries, he will surely consider the decision to contest.
“As a human rights lawyer ready to serve my people and a strong member of the NDC with appreciable support from some regional executives, it will be an act of betrayal to ignore the calls from my party faithful.
“However, my fear is that as a young lawyer and a street boy, the bigwigs in the party may influence delegates with money to thwart my effort as was the case in the just ended NPP primaries,” he said.
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