Monday, February 10, 2025

“Withdraw It As Soon As Possible and Apologise” -Akpaloo Fires Warning To Mahama Over Recent Comment

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Former president and flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has strongly criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for disqualifying Bernard Mornah, the presidential candidate of the People’s National Convention (PNC), from participating in the 2024 elections.

Mahama voiced his concerns during a political rally in Wa, in the Upper West Region, where he expressed disappointment in the EC’s decision, accusing them of unfairly excluding the PNC candidate.

In his remarks, Mahama suggested that Bernard Mornah was more qualified than some of the candidates who had been cleared to run for the presidency. He argued that Mornah had more experience and credibility than others who were on the ballot.

“The PNC is a more worthy party than several parties that I see on the ballot paper, but that is the issue with the EC, sometimes they are discriminatory because there are some people on this ballot paper who Bernard Mornah qualifies more to be here than them,” he said.

According to the EC, Bernard Mornah’s disqualification stemmed from inconsistencies found in the signatures on his nomination forms.

The EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa, stated that irregularities in the nomination process were to blame for his removal, along with ten other candidates who were also disqualified for various reasons.

This decision, however, did not sit well with Mahama, who viewed the disqualification as discriminatory. He further criticized the EC for not treating all political parties equally.

Samson Awingobit, the PNC’s National Chairman, also expressed disappointment, but his frustrations were more directed toward the NDC, accusing them of failing to support the PNC during this challenging time.

Awingobit revealed that the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, had been the only political leader to reach out to the PNC following their disqualification, despite suspicions that the NPP could have influenced the EC’s decision.

In defense of his stance, Mahama explained that the PNC had been unfairly sidelined, adding that he did not see any reason why Mornah should have been excluded.

“Thirteen candidates were approved, but our brothers in the PNC were unfairly excluded. I don’t see any justification for this,” Mahama remarked.

However, Mahama’s comments sparked outrage from Kofi Akpaloo, the flagbearer of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG). Akpaloo took offence at Mahama’s remarks, accusing him of disrespecting other candidates.

“He [Mahama] should just count his stars, and he happens to be the leader of the NDC and has been given the opportunity to be president of this country before. He should respect himself.

“Who amongst the 13 is not worthy to be on the ballot? ….He can’t use that statement on us and he should withdraw it as soon as possible and apologise.”

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