Why Walid Withdrew

Walid Aryertei Laryea has finally given up his ambition to represent the people of Odododiodio. He stepped down yesterday at exactly 4:15pm, following prodding and persuasion from the high and low within the party, thereby sending hundreds of NDC sympathisers unto the streets and into merry-making amid drumming and dancing.

The NDC had earlier through its Functional Executive Committee (FEC), disqualified him on grounds that he was not a card-bearing member of the party. But speaking to the Network Herald shortly after the decision, the campaign manager of Walid, Nii Quao said his candidate was 'forced to withdraw' by leaders of the party, opinion leaders of the party, opinion leaders and Moslem religious leaders within the constituency to whom he could not remain recalcitrant. Filled to the brim with emotion, Mr. Quao hoped the happening would teach the NDC executives to respect the will of the true representatives of the party who really are at the grassroots and foot soldiers who continue to raise the flag of the party even in difficult times. The 'Vote For Walid' campaign manager said they were not happy with the turn of events but found it wise to respect the calibre of people who were involved in the coercion strategies for Walid to step down for the party's endorsed candidate, Jonathan Tackie-Commey. He lamented what he described as an undemocratic practice that had denied them the opportunity to represent the constituency to parliament.