I am special magnet for floating voters - Aliu

Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama at the weekend described himself as a special magnet that could attract floating voters to ensure one-touch victory for the ruling New Patriotic Party in Election 2008.

The Vice President who is among 17 presidential aspirants of the NPP said the 2008 Presidential and Parliamentary elections was crucial hence the need for delegates of the party's congress in Accra on December 22, 2007, to endorse his candidature to consolidate power.

Interacting with Nana Ampadu Daaduam II, Chief of Mpraeso and his elders at Mpraeso in the Eastern Region he said: " Aliu Mahama is the right man to take over from President John Agyekum Kufuor on January 7, 2009."

Vice President Mahama said the NPP beat the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) by 52.4 per cent in the 2004 General Election and in 2008 he would be the right man to increase the gap to 60 per cent.

"I am the right person who can be marketed by the NPP. Only Captain Aliu can beat the NDC three nil without penalty," he said, attracting cheers.

Vice President Mahama said although chiefs were not expected to engage in active politics, they could use their influence to facilitate the good governance of the country.

Touching on the development of the area, he said government had plans to tap potable water from Adawso to Mpraeso to resolve the water problems facing the people.

He said the Nkawkaw/Obomeng road would also be rehabilitated to ensure free flow of traffic to promote business.

Nana Daaduam said the NPP was one family and must therefore forge unity of purpose in order to maintain the peace and stability of the nation.

At Obomeng, Vice President Mahama said the implementation of projects captured under the US sponsored Millennium Challenged Account would promote agriculture in the area and open up the Afram Plains.

Nana Obeng Akrofi, the 92-year old chief of the town, wished Vice President Mahama well in his bid to lead the NPP in Election 2008.