Prof Joshua Alabi, Campaign Manager for the John Mahama Campaign Team, has called on the newly elected National Democratic Congress (NDC) Majority Caucus in Parliament to exercise prudence and accountability in their decision-making.
He cautioned against blindly endorsing executive decisions, urging the Caucus to focus on the interests of the electorate who entrusted them with a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Channel One TV, Prof Alabi underscored the need for the Majority to prioritize the public good over partisan loyalty.
“Once the people decide on a two-thirds majority for the NDC, it means they want us to use our numerical strength wisely and in their interest.
They’ve tested a slight majority and a hung Parliament, and now they want to see what this can achieve for all of us,” he explained.
Prof Alabi rejected the notion that a two-thirds majority inherently leads to a rubber-stamp Parliament.
Instead, he highlighted the responsibility of the NDC Majority to act with accountability, given that they will ultimately return to the electorate to seek a renewed mandate.
“Some believe a two-thirds majority means a rubber-stamp Parliament, but I don’t.
In four years, we must go back to the people to account.
Whatever decisions we make, we must have the people in mind because, in two and a half years, the next campaign begins. What will we tell them about how we used the two-thirds majority?”
He emphasized the importance of resisting the temptation to misuse their majority for intimidation or unchecked approvals of executive proposals.
According to Prof Alabi, the electorate expects the NDC Caucus to leverage its majority for thoughtful and impactful governance, particularly when parliamentary approval is required.
“They expect us to use the two-thirds majority for their benefit, not to rubber-stamp executive decisions.
This mandate isn’t for intimidation; it’s to deliver results for the people.”
Prof Alabi concluded by reminding the NDC Majority of the weight of their mandate, cautioning that their actions in Parliament will be closely scrutinized by the electorate.
“Our decisions will be judged at the ballot box. We must always keep this in mind and ensure that we govern with the people’s best interests at heart.”