In spite of the humiliating defeat of the National Democratic Congress in last year’s polls which has left many party faithful humbled and dejected, immediate past President, John Dramani Mahama is encouraging members of the party to be proud of records of his administration.
According to Mr. Mahama, the NDC government’s performance in its eight years in power was very impressive that all members and supporters of the party must not shy away from defending the government’s achievement.
Interacting with minority Members of Parliament and leading members of the now biggest opposition party at his residence in Accra, the former president said “…we have absolutely nothing to be ashamed about. We have done a good job and I’m sure that history, as I said, will be the best judge.”
Explaining why the NDC lost some of its parliamentary seats to the NPP, former president Mahama advised the minority MPs to frequent their constituencies and not neglect those who helped them win their respective seats.
“I’m sure that all of you are up to the task. And you all have to work extra hard in opposition not only in parliament but also in your constituencies. Part of the reasons for some of the loss in some of the constituencies is how frequently you go back; how you associate with the people not only in respect of what you do for them but identifying with them and letting them know that you’re one of them,” he stated.
Adding that “so I encourage you as you go and I’m sure the veterans know this and that is why you survived this long. But some of the new ones… don’t let the elevation get into your heads. Make sure you go back as frequently as possible. Those ‘station boys’, who supported you, go and sit where you were sitting when you wanted the position. Go and sit with them. And when they bring their tea drink it with them. The little you have you share with them and they will stand by you.”
The NPP won the 2016 election with 53.85% of the total votes cast, against the NDC’s 44.4%. Since the NDC’s defeat, the rank and file of the party have been engaged in blame-game, forcing the party to set up a 13-member fact-finding committee, chaired by Prof. Kwesi Botchwey, to investigate the causes of the defeat of the NDC.
Since the party’s defeat, there have been discussions over whether Mr Mahama will lead the party into the next presidential election. While the ex-president’s immediate family is reported to have advised him not to make a comeback, some bigwigs and ordinary members of the party have been calling on him to contest the 2020 elections.
But John Mahama himself has called on NDC functionaries and supporters to focus on reorganising the party ahead of the next presidential elections instead of wasting time discussing whether he will make a comeback or not.
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