Contest won't dim NDC chances in 2012; Mills, Konadu camps

Nana Konadu and president Mills are believed to be heading for an acrimonious primary

Supporters of the two aspirants of the flag-bearership of the governing National National Democratic (NDC) have rejected assertions that the party will be badly bruised from the acrimony preceding the contest.

Former first lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and President JEA Mills have officially launched their campaign for the contest which comes off in Sunyani on July 8.

Ahead of that, there have been concerns that the accusations and counter accusations from some supporters of either camp may negatively affect the party after its presidential primaries.

But a member of the former first lady's campaign team, MP for Lower Manya Krobo disagrees.

Mr Michael Teye Nyaunu told Joy FM the NDC is capable of retaining power after the July epic encounter between the two main power blocs in the governing party.

Likening the NDC to a soaked a eagle, the MP said the party will soar higher after electing its presidential candidate.

On his part, Employment Minister ET Mensah says the current happenings in the party demonstrate its democratic credentials.

He said the party will draw valuable lessons from the United States where JF Kennedy challenged President Jimmy Carter who was the sitting president, won the primaries but lost the presidential elections miserably.

“President Mills will win anyway,” he stated, emphasizing the need for the NDC to learn from the partnership between US president Barack Obama and Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton who fought a bitter primary but came together and campaigned vigorously in the presidential elections after Obama won the primary.