Former vice President John Evans Atta Mills? bid for the flagbearership of the NDC in the 2004 elections has been given a big boost with the declaration of support by Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, former Minister of Defence and a stalwart of the party.

In a press statement, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu also hinted that he was joining the Prof Mills campaign team as co-chairman, along with J.H. Owusu Acheampong, former Agriculture Minister.

According to Alhaji Iddrisu, following the party?s invitation for nominations for interested candidates for the flagbearership of the NDC, he had been confronted with problems and by solicitations from him numerous supporters from around the country to present himself as a candidate.

He mentioned that one must always ask the question as to ones own contributions in helping the party and the nation to move forward and make progress. Alhaji said although he could have run a very credible campaign, he was fully aware of the excellent qualifications and leadership qualities of Prof Atta Mills.

?I know Prof Mills will be a very good President for Ghana and I am pleased to support his candidacy, ?Alhaji emphasised, adding that he had worked with Mills, when he was a vice President, and notice his sterling qualities as a public servant.

In sacrificing his potential interest in the Presidency, he noted that it is the second time, this year, that he was giving up a high-level position in the NDC, for the sake of encouraging unity, harmony and cohesion, amongst the rank and file.

Alhaji Mahama emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong party in order to recapture power in the year 2004 as the most important objective that should guide the actions of all party members. He said with his decision to support the Professor, he is hopeful that it will consolidate the massive support NDC enjoys nationwide and in particular, the three Northern Regions.