Talks by a delegation to persuade Alan Kyerematen, one of four candidates contesting the party’s flagbearship slot to step aside for Nana Akufo-Addo on October 18, has fallen on deaf ears.

According to Mr. Kyerematen's spokesperson, Nana Ohene Ntow, the attempt by the delegation of Regional Organisers to talk Mr Kyerematen out of the race is part of a scheme to blackmail his presidential aspirations.

The delegation was led by the party’s National Organiser, John Boadu.

Ohene Ntow condemned the delegation on grounds that it runs counter to the party’s constitution.

“The move that was made by the [National Organiser] and the Regional Organisers yesterday [Thursday] is not just in isolation of all the campaign and apparent orchestration that has been going on.

“Even before nominations were open, there were all sorts of calls that Alan should not contest. [But] nominations were opened and he picked up his form. Even after vetting, there were still calls for him [Alan Kyerematen] not to contest,” Ohene Ntow said on Joy News' Top Story Friday.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the two-time flagbearer of the party, became the lead contender after the Special Delegates’ Conference on August 31. It was to prune the number of aspiring candidates from seven to five.

Nana Akufo-Addo polled more than 80 per cent of the 740 valid votes cast.

A day after results were declared, Joe Ghartey, one of the aspirants stepped down from the race.

Calls by party members asking the remaining candidates to step down and support Nana Akufo-Addo, according to Ohene Ntow were all part of the scheme to thwart Alan Kyerematen's bid.

The spokesperson further said those calls were all directed at Mr Kyerematen, who obtained about 8 per cent of votes in the Special Delegates' Conference held across the country.

He said the delegation's visit to Alan Kyerematen was the height of all the attempts “to blackmail Alan from contesting”.

In a rebuttal, John Boadu said it was unfortunate that a “private discussion” between the party’s organisers have become public.

He explained the delegation decided to pay courtesy calls on all the aspirants, who would be contesting in the National Delegates' Conference on October 18 to inquire about their plans for the party.

He said claims by the Alan camp to stampede his presidential aspirations were unfounded.

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