The National Democratic Congress’ Council of Elders Chairman of South Africa, Benjamin Kofi Quashie has appealed to the rank and file of the party to rally behind the newly elected flagbearer, John Mahama.
He said the former President, after winning Saturday’s elections, is now the leader of the party and there is the need for all members to support him going into the 2024 elections.
“Like it or not, he is the leader of the party. If you want to help the party, you need to help the leader as well. Dr. Duffuor is an astute politician and everything he did was geared towards victory 2024 and so we continue to urge that we all rally around our leader for victory 2024,” he noted.
Speaking on JoyNews’ ‘The Probe’, he averred that, Mr Mahama is an all-inclusive person and would be able to work with everyone going into the 2024 elections.
When asked whether he shares the views of those calling for the flagbearer to pick Dr. Kwabena Duffuor as his running mate, Mr. Quashie indicated that it is a decision for Mr Mahama to make.
“I’m sure he would do that taking into consideration the person’s love for country, party and other considerations.
“At this point, the constitution of the party allows for the presidential candidate to nominate a running mate, go to the Council of Elders, go to the Functional Executive Committee and I think Mr. Mahama would make the right choice of a running mate,” he stated.
He, however, noted that Dr. Duffuor would be a good running mate for Mr Mahama.
Reacting to a seeming rift between Mr Mahama and his northern brothers in relation to recent leadership changes in Parliament, the SA Council Chair said there is no such rift.
He cited instances where the former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu was seen campaigning for Mr. Mahama adding that, “That aspect unfortunately was not put into the public domain.”
“Instructively, the so-called rift between President Mahama and some Northern NDC stalwarts is a figment of people’s imagination. The changes in the party’s leadership in Parliament was done by the party at a time President Mahama wasn’t the leader and can’t be held liable for such an action even though he was consulted,” he contended.