Upper East Vets NPP Aspirants

Upper East Regional secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Ibrahim Bashiru, has told DAILY GUIDE that with the exception of Talensi and Pusiga constituencies, vetting of parliamentary aspirants in the region would begin today, May 4.

The party did not open nominations in the Talensi constituency where the newly installed paramount chief of the area, Robert Mosore Doameng, has been the Member of Parliament (MP) from 2013.

In the case of Pusiga constituency, even though the party opened nominations, no one filed to contest the primaries, including the two-time candidate, Mohammed Imoro Asoko.

Explaining why the party did not open nomination in the Talensi constituency, the regional NPP secretary said even though Mr Robert Mosore Doameng did not officially communicate to the party about his selection for the vacant Talensi paramount skin, the party, having heard public comments about his intention coupled with intelligence gathered, decided not to open nominations out of respect for the MP.

He however, hinted that the party had a plan to secure the seat, adding that the party would soon start executing its plans.

Asked whether the party has people who could contest in a possible by-election and win, should the Electoral Commission (EC) declare that the Talensi seat is vacant, Mr Ibrahim Bashiru said if that happens, the party has capable people to win the seat in the 2016 parliamentary election.

'Don't forget that the people of Talensi have witnessed the leadership qualities of an NDC government and those of the NPP, as well as the parliamentarians from the two parties. John Tia lost because the people no longer trusted that he would be able to serve their interest in parliament. I am very certain that the people of Talensi will change their style and vote massively for the NPP in 2016, to revive the many pro-poor initiatives that the National Democratic Congress has almost collapsed,' he said.

According to him, in the case of Pusiga, the party had identified the problem and that when it is addressed a parliamentary candidate will be named.

This is not the first time this has happened in the NPP. In 2012 Robert Doameng was mentioned about five months after the party had closed nominations and won the seat.

From: Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Bolgatanga