Following Prof. John Evans Atta Mills’ defeat in the 2004 general election, many within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), reportedly lost confidence in his ability to lead the party to power. One of the notable exceptions was former President Jerry John Rawlings, who believed that Mills could still win a future election.At the time, a group of northern NDC Members of Parliament formed what became known as the Northern Caucus.
The caucus reportedly considered presenting a northern candidate to challenge Prof. Mills for the NDC presidential nomination ahead of the 2008 elections. Hon. Mahama Ayariga, then a young MP, is said to have convened discussions around this initiative.
Their preferred candidate was Hon. John Dramani Mahama, then MP for Bole-Bamboi Constituency in what was then the Northern Region.Prof. Mills’ team, which included several experienced politicians, became aware of the development and quickly engaged Hon. Mahama Ayariga. He was subsequently appointed as spokesperson for Prof. Mills’ 2006 flagbearship campaign. Senior party figures reportedly held discussions with Ayariga and members of the Northern Caucus, persuading them to abandon the northern challenge and instead support Prof. Mills’ bid for the NDC nomination.
As a result, the caucus withdrew its plans, and Prof. Mills entered the contest with the support of major party figures, including former President Jerry John Rawlings, the Ahwoi brothers, and other influential members of the NDC.
He ultimately won the flagbearer race decisively, securing 1,362 votes (81.4%) as against his challengers; Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Mr Mahama Iddrisu, and Mr Eddie Annan a businessman.Following his victory, the period to select a running mate arrieved.
There was a strong view within the party that the vice-presidential candidate should be capable of strengthening support in north.Among the considered was Lawyer Mohammed Mumuni, who actively sought the position and reportedly lobbied influential party members. Hon. Mahama Ayariga was also viewed by some as an emerging political figure with significant potential.
However, Ayariga is said to have encouraged consideration of a more senior figure.It is reported that Ayariga served as a channel of communication between Prof. Mills and Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin regarding the possibility of Bagbin becoming the running mate. When approached, Bagbin reportedly declined the offer and instead recommended John Dramani Mahama.
He is said to have argued that Mahama possessed the temperament, maturity, and leadership qualities necessary for the role and the future of the party.Bagbin’s endorsement reportedly influenced both Ayariga and members of the Northern Caucus, who subsequently rallied behind Mahama.At the time, John Mahama had reportedly planned to retire from frontline politics after serving as an MP and had communicated this intention to his constituents.Consequently, he was initially reluctant to accept the running mate position. Nevertheless, Bagbin, Ayariga, family members, and other supporters continued to encourage him to reconsider his stance.Lawyer Mohammed Mumuni continued his efforts to secure the slot.Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings reportedly favored Betty Mould-Iddrisu.
Media discussions increasingly focused on a contest between Betty Mould-Iddrisu and John Mahama, with Mumuni receiving comparatively less attention.Prof. Mills himself was said to be particularly impressed by Mahama’s leadership qualities and believed he could strengthen the party’s position in the North. With growing support from the Northern Caucus and other influential figures, efforts intensified to persuade Mahama to accept the role.For some accounts, former President Rawlings was initially not enthusiastic about Mahama’s selection, though he was mute on the matter. His wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, reportedly continued advocating for Betty Mould-Iddrisu.Eventually, after consultations with respected citizens and traditional leaders, Mahama agreed to accept the offer.
Throughout the process, he reportedly avoided lobbying for the position and maintained that Prof. Mills should be free to make his own choice.One account states that before the formal announcement, Prof. Mills sent Mahama Ayariga, who served as both spokesperson and personal assistant, to invite Mahama to his residence at Spintex.
Upon arriving at Mahama’s home, Ayariga was asked to wait as Mahama attended to a personal matter.Rather than proceeding immediately to meet Prof. Mills, Mahama reportedly gathered some close associates and first visited Lawyer Mohammed Mumuni, whom he regarded as a senior colleague and mentor.
Mahama informed him of the invitation from Prof. Mills. According to the account, Mumuni encouraged him to accept the opportunity if he felt it was the right decision.After several hours, John Mahama and Ayariga proceeded to meet Prof. Mills.
During a private discussion, Mills expressed his desire for Mahama to serve as his running mate in the 2008 elections. Mahama thus accepted the offer.Some party members reportedly expressed concern that Northern Ghana, a predominantly Muslim population, might prefer a Muslim running mate.
However, party strategists are said to have concluded that religious considerations would not significantly affect Mahama’s acceptance, noting that many northern MPs and influential party figures were Christians.
Although there were reported reservations from some quarters, including concerns about Mahama’s perceived soft-spoken nature, these differences were eventually resolved.Former President Rawlings later became actively involved in campaigning for the Mills-Mahama ticket, contributing significantly to the NDC’s return to power in the 2008 general election.
The episode is often cited as an example of how, despite internal disagreements and competing interests, the NDC has historically found ways to unite behind a common objective when it matters most.
By Akugri Rashid
Source:mywordfmonline.com