It appears the 2008 flag-bearer of the CPP Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom exit could spell doom for the party if steps are not taken to stop defections to his new PPP.
The founder of the proposed Progressive Peoples Party is promising fair and democratic presidential primaries when the party goes to congress in February.
He told Joy News’ Evans Mensah that he is ready to be challenged for the right to lead the party in the 2012 elections despite his status as the founder.
Though the PPP is yet to be certified by the Electoral Commission, Dr. Nduom says he is confident the timing of next month’s congress is appropriate.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission says Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom is yet to return registration forms that will pave the way for the commencement of the certification process.
Christian Owusu Parry, Director of Public affairs at the EC told Joy News without the certificate, the Progressive Peoples Party cannot hold any election as a political party.
Nevertheless, a number of CPP executives in Komenda in the Central Region are reported to have defected to Dr. Nduom’s PPP. It is the second region, after Volta, to lose CPP members to his breakaway party.
Meanwhile, General Secretary of the CPP Ivor Greenstreet has downplayed the impact of the PPP and the reports of defections on the fortunes of the CPP.
He accused Dr Nduom of riding on the back of the CPP to fame and dumping it when he realised he could not have his way to manipulate affairs of the party.
Mr Greenstreet recalled on Joy FM that it was CPP that gave Dr Nduom the platform to run and win parliamentary elections, as well as seconding his ministerial appointment under the erstwhile Kufuor government.
He also maintained that Dr Nduom was not pushed out of the party as being perceived, saying Dr Nduom had long before the CPP’s executive congress indicated his intention to quit the part or rescind his decision to run for the presidency if his choice for the chairmanship did not win.
Play the attached audio for Joy News’ report