Pollster Ben Ephson is cautioning the National Democratic Congress against a Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings candidature in the 2012 General elections. Even though the former first lady is popular among members of her own party, Mr. Ephson believes she is unattractive among the larger voting population, especially the floating voters.
He was speaking to Joy News’ Araba Koomson on Monday following what emerged Sunday as a subtle campaign to have Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings contest against President Mills as the party flagbearer.
Posters of the former first lady have been posted at vantage points across the country, by individuals purporting to be members of the foot-soldiers of the NDC who are seeking the candidature of Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings as president.
Regional representatives of the group who have refused to disclose their identities told Joy News, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings must accept their proposal or forget about politics the rest of her life.
Spokesperson of ex-president Rawlings, Kofi Adams says Nana Konadu is unaware of the activities by the foot-soldiers. Speaking to Joy News on the matter, Ben Ephson maintains he would only give credibility to the story when the former first lady picks a nomination form to contest against President John Mills.
According to him, similar activities occurred in the run-up to the 2000 general elections in which some group openly campaigned for Mrs. Rawlings against then candidate Mills. Mrs. Rawlings, he explained, came out a year later to dissociate herself from the activities of the group, warning she would take legal action against anybody who attempted to link her with the activities of the group.
“It is a familiar ploy,” he said, adding “she (Mrs. Rawlings) is very popular. There is no doubt about it. But the delegates who will go in to vote, the attitude of many faithfuls of the NDC in 2000 will be the same now.
“Madam you are popular, we admire your contribution to the party but when we take you out there the floating voters will turn you down simply because many Ghanaians are not ready for a family presidency,” he explained.
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