Kpandai (N/R), GNA- Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Tuesday made a strong claim to the Flag bearership of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) saying his time of being at the helm of affairs is now. " This is my time, he said, while addressing enthusiastic party supporters, chiefs and opinion leaders at Kpandai in the East Gonja District of the Northern region where he is on a six-day campaign tour. " At the market place, people buy what they want, I am the best person to be marketed by the NPP", he said.

Vice President Mahama said he has served President Agyekum Kufuor faithfully and loyally and has therefore gained the necessary experience.

" I have been tried and tested and well known by Ghanaians".

" Everywhere I go, people are able to make me out". Vice President Aliu Mahama appealed to traditional authorities to seek the blessings of ancestors to facilitate his victory at the December 22nd national delegates conference of the NPP to select the Presidential candidate for election 2008. He asked Christian and Moslem leaders to also seek divine favour for him.

Talking on the development of the area, he appealed to the chiefs and the people to forge peace and unity to facilitate progress. Vice President Mahama said the image of Kpandai as pro-violent has not helped to add value to the area, leading to wide spread of poverty and deprivation.

He asked the people to support his political ambition in order to improve on their lot.

" Give me the opportunity so that I can serve you better tomorrow.