The Presidential candidates of the opposition NDC are being advised to direct some arsenals at the government in their bid to lead the party into the 2020 general elections.

This, Dr. Alidu Seidu believes would project them as persons ready to take over the helm of the state machinery and not just the bearers of the NDC flag.

Dr. Seidu [Right] speaking to host, Roland Walker 

Speaking to MultiTV’s AM Show on the Joy News channel Thursday, the Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana explained that ultimately, the seven contestants are gunning to lead Ghana so it would be “suicidal” for them to limit their messages to how the NDC can be better.

“…they have to tell the delegates what they will do as an alternative to what the current government is doing how they can do better. They have to tailor their messages toward election 2020, that makes you an all rounded candidate,” Dr. Seidu said.

The lecturer’s comments come amid observations that ex-President John Mahama who is poised to win the primaries is focussed more on national affairs, unlike his challengers who are concerned more about NDC politics.

John Mahama has constantly criticised the government

According to him, Mahama’s focus on attacking the government’s policies rather and campaigning at the national level is a proof of confidence in himself and his team’s ability to sail through the primaries with ease.

Dr. Seidu says the other six should follow suit and present the Ghanaian electorate with their plans on changing the policy direction of Ghana.

What has been the reaction to Mahama’s campaign policy?

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has, however, taken jabs at his arch-rival on the latter’s campaign strategy.

Speaking at the 25th-anniversary celebration of the University of Development Studies in Tamale, Akufo-Addo said: “I’m sure you have seen and heard some of the presidential aspirants of the leading opposition party taking jabs at my government in order, ostensibly, to prop up their campaign.”

“And whilst at it, they are desperately trying to get me to respond to them. Let me state here and now, for the records that President Akufo-Addo will not respond to presidential aspirants.”

But in a response to him, Mr. Mahama noted that the candidates are “citizens, not spectators” and will, therefore, continue to criticize the government; referencing what the President said himself in his inaugural speech.

NDC Primaries

After a court battle and a completed vetting process, the NDC has settled on February 23, 2019, as the date to elect their leader for the 2020 polls.

The other candidates are: Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament; Alban Bagbin, former SSNIT Board Chair Joshua Alabi, former NHIS CEO, Sylvester Mensah, former Trades Minister, Spio Garbrah, former break-away leader, Augustus ‘Goosie’ Tanoh, and businessman, Nurudeen Iddrisu.