Wednesday 6 September 2023

ALAN'S WITHDRAWAL GETS HIM CLOSER TO THE PRESIDENCY: MY VIEW

 



Alan's withdrawal from the NPP Presidential race came as a shock to many. At least, I didn't expect it. Some people contend that this is the end of his political career so far as the presidency is concerned. I hold a different view, which I articulate in this brief article.

Alan's withdrawal from the race is strategic and in my opinion could get him closer to the presidency. Before the NPP's super delegates conference, Alan was seen as a major contender for the NPP presidential candidate slot, which is no longer the case now. Alan is most likely going to lose if he continues given his poor performance in the just ended super delegates voting exercise. That means he gets nothing close to the presidency. The consolation will be another ministerial or other position.

So, to get back into the game and get close to the presidency, he withdraws from the race - a paradox. This withdrawal and portions of the press statement creates uncertainty about his presidential plans for the future, which includes breaking away from the NPP and contesting as an independent candidate. Alan may not be the most popular and preferred candidate among the NPP elites in the current situation but he has a lot of public administration even among the opposition. So, Alan breaking away will break the NPP eventually in terms of votes during the 2024 national elections, which the party cannot afford.

Alan could therefore use the treat of breaking away to negotiate for the Vice Presidency slot, which according to the grape vine was earlier proposed to him but he rejected. So, Alan could potentially become the president or the vice president; either way, he wins! This outcome if achieved will also be a win for the NPP because a Bawumia-Alan presidential ticket is the strongest the party can present
at the 2024 general election among the different combinations available currently. That is partly because, although Alan was part of this obviously underperforming NPP administration, his gentle character and good performance at the Trade Ministry still endears him to the public more than any of the other people tipped for the NPP Vice President slot. Alan image could pacify the public of NPP's deadly sins.


Dr Kenneth Appiah Donkor-Hyiaman
Economist