The 2020 general elections is some 16 months away but speculation is already rife on who should be the running mate for the NDC Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

Article 60 (2) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution says that the running mate who will automatically become the Vice President will be appointed by the presidential candidate before the election of the president.

No time was set in the constitution when the Presidential candidate is supposed to choose his running mate but a look at Article 63 (1), gives some clues to keen political observers and strategists. The practice has always been for the the Presidential candidate to choose his running mate before submitting his presidential nomination forms to the Electoral Commission on nomination day. Nomination day has usually been three (3) months to the elections in December each election year.

Practically therefore, John Mahama should choose his running mate ahead of time to build a strong working relationship with him/her and campaign all over Ghana before the nomination day and the elections. It is imperative that John Dramani Mahama chooses his running mate now to guarantee a strong campaign before the elections.

In choosing a running mate, it is the hope that pursuant to all consultations, the running mate will be one that possesses the many, if not all of the following attributes: Honesty and Integrity

Dwight D Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States once said, “The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, In an army, or in an office.”

These poignant words of Eisenhower must wake up any true-blooded faithful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). As a leader, you expect a lot from your followers and it behoves on you to live by the example you looking for. Nothing can compromise your integrity and ultimate honesty when it comes to being the running mate to the Presidential candidate. In the scheme of things currently, the NDC running mate must be somebody of unquestionable integrity--nothing short of it.

And this leader of unquestionable integrity will complement the flagbearer to unlock the hearts of Ghanaians of all walks of life come December 2020.

Commitment and Passion

For a running mate, it is about complimenting to set and constantly upgrade standards and exemplary stuff, for others to follow and any leader should be zealous about it. Being passionate, doing what has to be done and creating the path for your team to follow are critical elements of unleashing commitment and passion. Passion helps to infuse and renew energies in members to perform better.

Decisions Making Prowess

It is no secret that a running mate will have to take decisions that will have impact on the masses. Someone who is bold to take the right decisions at the right time and stand by it. It should also be noted that such decisions cannot be taken in isolation and so where necessary the person should be the type that consults.

Confidence

There is one thing being a leader and another being an effective one. For a leader to be effective, he/she requires confidence. There has to be a degree of reflection of the confidence so that he/she does not appear to be over confident but that which will show assertiveness to gain the respect of others.

Accountability

The NDC stands on a foundation of transparency, probity and accountability and so for any leader who lacks this attribute is just a nonstarter. A running mate as much as he/she upholds these values, should also make sure that subordinates are accountable for what they are doing.

Inspiration to Others

A running mate should be the leader who can persuade others to follow and this is possible if he/she can set a good example for others to follow. Just as John Quincy Adams puts it, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Good Communicator

Words have the power to motivate people and make them do the unthinkable. A running mate must have the tendency to clearly and effectively communicate the visions and the strategy to achieve the goals.

It will be good having anyone with these attributes partner John Dramani Mahama as running mate.

If the above criteria is the standard then Lawyer Elikplim Agbemava is the only option. He possesses the personality and charisma. He appeals naturally to the youth because of his easy-going nature.

Lawyer Elikplim Agbemava comes to the table with a clean slate devoid of any negative political baggage. His personality will leave opponents having nothing to talk about and thus allow him drum home the plans of the party to the people.

Election 2020 is a must win for the NDC and surely in the words of Lawyer Elikplim, it is possible! With Lawyer Elikplim Agbemava as the running mate for John Dramani Mahama, victory is not only assured but made a lot easier.