The General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Kwetey, has backed the right of the party’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, to contest the presidency, saying his years of dedicated service make him qualified to seek the country’s highest political office.
Mr Kwetey said there was nothing objectionable about Mr Asiedu Nketia pursuing a presidential ambition should he decide to enter the race.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, November 3, he described the NDC chairman as a committed party stalwart who had served the organisation diligently and deserved the opportunity to seek the presidency.
“It shouldn’t be a problem at all. I mean, he qualifies to run for president,” he said.
Mr Kwetey added that Mr Asiedu Nketia’s long service to the party, including his leadership at the highest levels, should not be a reason to deny him the opportunity to contest.
“Of course. I mean, he has served the party diligently. I mean, at the highest level, if he wants to go for it, should I call it the highest position of the party, why not?” he said.
Fair contest for all
Despite backing Mr Asiedu Nketia’s eligibility, the NDC General Secretary was careful not to declare support for a possible presidential bid, insisting that his responsibility was to ensure a level playing field for all prospective candidates.
He said the party’s leadership must strengthen the NDC as a political organisation and create conditions under which every qualified aspirant could freely pursue their ambitions.
Mr Kwetey maintained that the eventual choice of a presidential candidate should rest with party members rather than individual leaders.
“For me, it’s not about support; at the moment, my job for now is to ensure that the party as a vehicle remains strong and ensure that we create a fair playing field for everybody and then let the party make that determination as to where next we ought to go,” he said.
He stressed that he would not impose his personal preference on the party, adding that the decision must emerge from the collective judgement of its members.
“So it will not be my choice at all. It will be the choice of the masses. And our people are very discerning,” he said.
Mr Kwetey’s comments come amid discussions within the NDC about possible contenders for the party’s next presidential flagbearer election.
Mr Asiedu Nketia, popularly known as General Mosquito, has held several key positions in the party, including General Secretary and National Chairman. His possible entry into the presidential contest would add another prominent figure to discussions about the party’s future leadership.
