Fighting for the Heart of the NPP, Nana Alan Part II

It is nostalgia all over again on August 7, as Nana Addo and Alan Kyerematen battles to lead the NPP. The other three contenders would be present to enrich democratic protocols, as the front runners push for a pyrrhic victory. The probability of victory for either campaign hangs fairly in a balance? This article examines the winning chances of both campaigns starting with Alan Kyerematen’s bid.
The 2007 marathon congress which elected Nana Addo as flag bearer was regarded in some quarters as a compromise victory due to Alan’s withdrawal from a run-off. In a recent campaign speech, candidate Alan pronounced himself the man to bring victory to the party in 2012. With pumped crowd of supporters Alan envisions probable victory on August 7. Engulfed in the excitement of his supporters, the candidate went on to hint his vision for the country.

The race is somewhat tied but momentum dwells with Nana Addo's campaign. When the polls open on the 7th Alan would hope for a repeat of 2007, except that this time he would not turn down a run-off. The Alan campaign sees its chance as good, but the fact remains that the candidate has low credibility with the party delegates given his infamous resignation following the result of the 2007 primaries. Alan appears to be an opportunistic politician who wants victory now or his out. He has no real desire or time for party building and lacks faith in the wisdom of party delegates to elect a leader beyond him.
His attempted exit from the party owing to the 2007 primary defeat, is akin to giving the party and delegates the finger for not endorsing his candidacy. There is a long history of aspirants who lost primaries yet remained committed to the party. Ex-president Kufuor lost to Professor Adu Boahen. Nana Addo who lost to Mr. Kufuor went on to serve in the Kufuor presidency. Alan however lacks this identity with the party and the larger membership of the NPP. This character definition will come to play on August 7, as delegates across the country seek 'a party man' to lead the NPP going into 2012.
The August 7 primary is not merely about message or vision. It is about party membership and loyalty. It is also about believe in the party and the verdict of its delegates. Alan falls short on these account. If you apply principle or invoke a strict adherence to the party constitution, Alan would be disqualified from wanting to lead the party he frigidly abandoned. It is obvious delegates cannot trust the future of the party to the ‘aben wa ha’ crowd who blurts slogans and drape party colors only if it suits their aspirations.
Beyond delivering good campaign speeches, Alan needs to prove his commitment to the party and wait his turn. Delegates are still reminded of his betrayal and would vote against him for giving them the finger. Alan’s decision to run this time is ill-conceived, a miscalculation which could spell the end of his political venture with the NPP, given a loss on August 7.