IT`S JOHN!

Hon. John Mahama (left), Prof. John Evans Atta Mills Following a crunch meeting at the residence of the founder of the NDC by the party's big wig's in which concerns were raised about the flagging campaign of Professor Mills, Chronicle can confirm that the expected meeting between the NDC flag bearer and the Bole - Bamboi MP has taken place.

While both are tight lipped about what was discussed at the meeting, it is believed that the Professor assured John Mahama that he was top on his short list of five names being considered for the position of running mate and asked him to accept the offer if it was made to him.

The NDC national chairman had leaked the result of a search committee that was set up to consider the most appropriate candidate, considering gender and ethnic background, and Betty Mould Iddrissu, the wife of Alhaji Iddrissu Mahama, topped the list. Since then, John Mahama has taken a back seat and even given up on his seat, having won the seat handsomely for four times.

Dapper John on being presented by Atta Mills himself with the assurance gladly assured Mills of his loyalty and pledged to work hard to assist him win the elections in December 2008.

Other issues believed to have been raised by Mahama are the perception of Northerners becoming professional running mates and by extension, Vice Presidents.

He asked that the party work hard to debunk the notion that Northerners are just picked and dumped when ever the party loses elections. Mahama also expressed concern about a growing perception that Mills cannot win the elections unless he was partnered by Mahama because such a perception did not make for a healthy relationship during the campaign and in government if the NDC wins.

When Mahama was contacted for his comments on the matter, he declined but confirmed that he had met Professor Mills and could not confirm or deny any of the alleged discussions of the meeting.

He said in a snappy voice that he had not been offered the position of a running mate as such it is absurd to reject what had not been offered. With the election of presidential candidates of the major parties, attention has been shifted to the position of running mates. It appears that most of the parties that have chosen their flagbearers from the south are angling for running mates from the north.

Various Muslim groups in the NPP have recently began advocating for a Muslim running mate and particularly for Boniface Abubakar Siddique who is the Minister for Works and Housing.