The selection of a running mate by all standards is a daunting task that embraces all carefulness, tactfulness, realities, political correctness, and in the business world, SWOT analysis. SWOT analysis is a modernized dynamic tool mostly applied by CEOs in their efforts to out compete the most ardent competitor in the business world.

In the case of selecting a running mate of Nana Akufo-Addo and subsequently the NPP, various factors have been adverted to the matrix for the selection process so as to overwhelmingly propel the party to victory in the forthcoming General Election of Ghana. Among the factors are, who has contributed immensely to the party’s prospects right from the onset; a commensuration of Nana Akufo-Addo’s “yenim wo firi tete’ slogan that is well positioned in the minds of the party members, the educational prowess of the candidate, the person’s contribution to the development of the party and Ghana as a nation, a person whose loyalty to the Party and Nana Addo cannot be questioned or doubted., a candidate whose political ideology will not elude that of the flagbearer, a consensus builder who has passed the test of time, a devout Muslim who exhibits maturity and possesses the ability to woe the Muslim community as well as the floating voters of Ghana to the camp of the NPP by virtue of his involvement in the struggle for freedom during the dark days.

Imperatively, many political analysts and impeccable NPP well wishers without parochial interests underscore the fact that the current political environment in Ghana vis-à-vis the maneuverings of the main political party (NDC), traditional precedence and political wisdom in Ghana strategically demand that the NPP goes in for no other presidential running mate than a Northerner who is Muslim oriented with the right charismatic caliber so as to put the party on the right pedestal for overwhelming victory. History and precedence have it right that ardent political parties have always striven to be sensitive to the strategic moves of their main opponents hence Nana Akufo-Addo’s resolve to go the traditional way in selecting the running mate is politically correct and realistically right. Does it mean that the party has no equally competent politicians in the Southern, Eastern and the Western part of Ghana ? We do! But this is not the time for such an experimentation that could spell the doom of the party and bring all our efforts to a stand still.

Importantly, people who are familiar with Nana Akufo-Addo’s campaign will come to reflect on the fact that the cornerstone of Nana’s slogan was “yenim wo firi tete” (we know you from time immemorial). This is like a mission statement that manifests itself as the umbrella of both the goals and the objectives of every organization. Will Nana Akufo-Addo deviate from this premise in selecting the running mate? Politically and realistically, No! At least not the man we know. Alhaji Mustapha Idris’ resolve as one of the pillars of the establishment of the NPP Northern Ghana branch made him a founding member who has always been with the Party from the dark days till now. His association with Nana Akufo-Addo on various platforms during the Rawlings’ regime from the stolen verdict’s era to “Kumi Preko” cannot be over-emphasized. This is a man who is a true loyalist of the Danquah/Busia-Dombo tradition and has been part of the struggle for freedom right from the onset. His loyalty to the Party and to Nana Akufo-Addo cannot be questioned.

It is an established fact that Alhaji Mustapha Idris has endeared himself to all the northern tribes of Ghana regardless of their political or traditional affiliations. He is described by both the NDCs and the NPPs of Northern Region as the most accessible Minister of our time. His support from the floating voters is critical to the overwhelming victory of the NPP which the party cannot afford to forfeit.

As a veteran and a combatant politician, his leadership style has been described as a consensus builder who has not only ensured peace in the Northern Region but has equally spearheaded the institution of a scholarship scheme for the youth in the three northern regions of Ghana whose support for the party is highly critical.

Holding the second highest position of the Republic of Ghana involves exhibition of a high level of maturity that manifests itself in diplomacy, depicts realities on the ground and exhibits political correctness and not just display a mere political expediency. Alhaji Mustapha Idris has exercised the highest level of maturity in the Vice-Presidential selection process without playing politics with the existing conflict in some parts of the Northern and Upper Eastern Regions to the detriment of his own people. He has placed the lives of Ghanaians first and politics second with the basic understanding that the lives of people are more important than party politics.

Conclusion

Seeing Alhaji Mustapha Iddris selected as a running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo will not come as a surprise but rather as a fulfillment of Nana’s resolve to go traditional and select a candidate who has met the test of time.

Sources:

Patriotic Group of NPP members in the Diaspora.

E-mail: patrioticgroupnppusa@yahoo.com