Bagbin not a push over- Aspiring NPP candidate

Kaleo (UW/R), June 28, GNA - Dr Daniel Bagah, an aspiring New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate for Nadowli West, at the weekend warned supporters of the Party, about the formidable task ahead to ensure the electoral defeat of Mr Alban Bagbin, the Minority Leader and the incumbent Member of Parliament for the area.

He said the MP was not a push over and called on NPP supporters to work very hard and forge a united front to win the parliamentary seat in Election 2004.

Dr Bagah, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Integrated Development Studies, of the University of Development Studies (UDS), was addressing a meeting of Zonal Executives and Party Supporters at Kaleo.

"Four years ago, I contested the elections as an independent candidate and placed second to Mr Bagbin. This year as an NPP candidate and with the unity within our ranks and your total support, I hope to take the seat from him."

He expressed surprise that no Party including the NPP, which traced its roots from the Danquah/Busia Tradition had won election in the area since 1969.

"We must begin to ponder on this question, to find the causes of the set-back for the tradition and the secret behind the success of rival political parties in order to make amends."

Dr Bagah, who is contesting the Constituency primaries with Wing-Commander Eric Dakurah (rtd), said he was the candidate, who could lead the NPP to victory if he were offered the chance.

He said he was better equipped to lobby for projects to satisfy the development needs of the people and also articulate their views in Parliament.

"As an assemblyman for the past six years, I know your needs better."

Mr Eddie Kaleonaa, a Leading Member of the Party in the Constituency, said victory for the NPP was a foregone conclusion, because it had in three and half years shown that it was on the road to success.