Pusiga (U/E), Oct 3, GNA - A controversy as to whether an incumbent executive member of the Pusiga/Pulmakom constituency of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had the right to contest for re-election without filing a nomination form nearly marred the delegates' conference at Pusiga on Friday.

This came about when a contestant vying for the post of Assistant Secretary, Mr David Amadi, asked the electoral Officer, whether his opponent, Mr Braimah Abudulai, filed to contest since he was out of the constituency during the filing of nominations. The electoral officer then called for the nomination form of Mr Braimah Abudulai, which was signed on his behalf. The Regional Treasurer, Mr Edwin Enchor, who supervised the elections, stepped in and said the party's constitution allowed an incumbent to stand for re-election until otherwise stated by the member not to contest.

This explanation did not go down well with some dissatisfied delegates, who were later led by the defeated Chairman, Mr Seidu Mahamadu and Mr David Amadi, to walk out of the conference hall in protest.

"If you force your way to win, when it's election year, come and vote for the NPP to win" was the concluding remarks by the ex-chairman as they left the hall.

The election had been smooth right from the chairmanship contest, where a 35-year-old farmer, Mr Issaka Akuka, defeated the incumbent, Mr Seidu Mahamadu by 39 votes to 17.

The positions for the 1st Vice-Chairman went to Mr Assibi Alale, also a farmer, when the other contestant, Mr Issa Kongo stepped down. The 2nd Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Organiser, Women's Organiser and Treasurer were returned unopposed with Mr Iddi Kumabu, Mr Lando Adama, Mr Abudul-Rauf Bukari, Madam Bola Giwa and Alhaji Musah Tangari respectively taking the positions.

In the contest for Youth Organiser, Mr Edward Ayamba defeated Mr Issaka Abdul-Rahman by 31 votes to 4.

Swearing in the executives, Mr Enchor, called on them to eschew negative tendencies that could divide the rank and file of the party. He called on them to intensify their work to win more supporters in spite of the hurdles confronting them in the area. The Chairman, Mr Akuka, thanked the delegates on behalf of the executives and expressed the hope to win back the group that walked-out to ensure unity to win the 2008 elections. 03 Oct. 05