The 10 Regional Chairmen of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) say their statement was made public because the former president did not give an immediate response to their request.

Mr Yaw Owusu Bempeh, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NDC on Angel FM in Kumasi on Friday said the group made their statement after former President John Dramani Mahama revealed he did not have any response for them.

“The former president didn’t give us any response and that was why we decided to make our intention known. If he had accepted our request, we would have not bothered publishing it. It is in the public domain so that he will listen to what people are going to say. It will as well give reasons why there is the need for him to embark on a nationwide ‘Thank You Tour’ and go to some elders of the party”. Mr Owusu Bempeh explained.

His explanation came after some members and officials of the NDC chastised their actions for endorsing the former president.

The Deputy General Secretary of the party, Mr. George Lawson says he is surprised at their conduct.

Stephen Atubiga, who has already showed interest in vying for the for the flagbearership position has said the 10 regional chairmen betrayed him.

Earlier this week, the 10 regional Chairmen of the NDC signed a petition urging the former president to lead the party in 2020 general elections.

The petition came after these regional chairmen had a closed door meeting with the ex president. They have all rallied their support behind Mr Mahama and believe he is the best candidate to lead the party.