By the close of nominations on Wednesday, 46 individuals had picked forms to vie for various national executive positions for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye pulled a last minute surprise when he picked forms at the eleventh hour to contest the chairmanship position of the party.

This brings to five the number of people who have shown interest in becoming National Chairman of the party including incumbent Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, and his Vice Fred Oware, Stephen Ntim and Paul Afoko.

Other party gurus including a former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Freddie Blay; the immediate past Ashanti Regional Chairman, Fredrick Fredua Anto; a former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the party,

Sammy Crabbe; Second Vice Chairman, Sheik T.B Damba; immediate past Volta Regional Chairman, Kenwuud Nuworsu; former Ayawaso West Wuogon Chairman, Micheal Omari Wadie; Fred Amankwa Sarfo; Moctari Sahanun, a former Regional Minister; Hajia Fati Amadu, a party activist; Philomena Serwaa Akoto Sam and Afua Kyerewaa Nyantakyi, have also secured forms to contest the position of Vice Chairman.