NPP constituency executives in the area said Mr. Esseku had accused them of kicking against the party’s former vice presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s bid to become running mate for the 2012 elections.
Though the former chairman has since apologized for his comments, the constituency executives have cautioned him to refrain from making such utterances in the future to save the party from any acrimony.
They have accordingly called on the NPP to institute measures to bar him from making public pronouncements regarding the party because his statements cannot guarantee the party’s safety.
A press release signed by 15 constituents of the area described Mr. Esseku’s comments as unfortunate and an attempt to sow seeds of discords between Dr. Bawumia and the party in the entire Mamprugu kingdom.
The statement further dispelled the accusation that executives of the constituency had scuttled Dr Bawumia’s ambition for a second term as vice presidential candidate of the party in the 2012 elections.
The executives expressed worry that such an allegation could be coming from a ranking member of the party who ought to have rather sustained efforts in promoting party unity and cohesion ahead of next year’s general elections.
Alhaji Bawa Kasimu, the Constituency Chairman disclosed that Dr. Bawumia’s contributions before and after the 2008 elections is unprecedented in the history of the constituency and wondered why a respectable person like Mr. Esseku could go round peddling falsehood about the area.
He added that despite the 2008 vice presidential candidate’s busy work schedule he has always made it a point to be in touch with the people of the constituency.
According to him, choosing a running mate for the party was the sole prerogative of the flag bearer indicating that should Dr. Bawumia be given the nod, the two constituencies in the West Mamprusi district would fully support him.
Alhaji Bawa further praised Dr. Bawumia for his support to the party noting that it was a clear manifestation that he was laying a strong foundation for it to become a formidable force to reckon with in 2012.
It would be recalled that last week the former chairman alleged that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s bid to be chosen again as running mate to flag bearer Nana Akufo-Addo had been scuttled by some party executives.
Mr. Esseku, who is widely known for his controversial comments, told Citi Fm that Dr Bawumia’s lobbying attempts were dashed by party executives in his own Walewale constituency.
According to Mr. Esseku, the constituency executives who opposed Dr Bawumia’s ‘second coming’ had accused him of neglecting the constituency when he was made Nana Addo’s running mate in 2008.
Angry constituency executives in area have however denied the allegation in view of the overwhelming support they have been receiving from Dr. Bawumia who has constantly pledged his support to the growth of the party in the area.
The constituency chairman and secretary have since denied speaking with Mr. Esseku and when contacted told DAILY GUIDE they yet to come to terms with Mr. Esseku’s attempts to cut off their only source of support with such unsubstantiated allegations.
From Stephen Zoure, Tamale
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