The 2020 NDC presidential candidate John Mahama says his aim in the Supreme Court is to seek what his opponent Nana Akufo-Addo sought in 2012 when he challenged the results of the Presidential election - the removal of doubt.

In a televised address on Wednesday, he revealed that his foremost purpose for going to court to challenge the results is to remove any doubt surrounding the results of the elections as declared by the EC.

"Some people have asked me what I hope to gain by challenging the results of this election. Let me tell you: I want, perhaps, the very same thing that my opponent wanted when in 2012 he challenged the results of that election; I want the removal of doubt. I want for all of us to know that our elections should be free, fair, and safe—and that we do not have to settle for a process that leaves us confused, and with more questions than answers.

Against the counsel he and the NDC party as a whole have received "to forgo the issue—in the interest of peace", he stated that he cannot as a matter of principle and commitment to democracy accept the results as has been declared by the Returning Officer for the Presidential Elections.

"So, when I say that I will not concede this election, please know that I have not taken this decision lightly; understand that it is not because of a desire for power, but because of a dedication to principle and a commitment to democracy.

According to him, “Based on the irregular and inconsistent results that were reported, I have reason to doubt that this election was free, or fair, or transparent."

"And without those fundamental pillars in place, how can any of us be sure that the results announced truly represent the will of the people?” John Mahama quizzed. 

The former President said it is important that state institutions are held accountable for their actions and demand they work in the favour of the national interest and not in the interest of the administration or the person in power.

He claimed that The EC Chairperson Jean Mensah failed to act in accordance with the constitution. 

Mahama's petition

The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama filed a petition challenging the Presidential results of the just-ended 2020 general elections as declared by the Electoral Commission.

The decision to finally petition the apex court follows nearly two weeks of sustained protests across the country by NDC sympathisers.

John Mahama petitioned the Supreme Court to order a second round of the December 7, election.

According to the former President, the votes obtained by New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, President Nana Akufo-Addo and himself in the December 7, election as declared by the EC Chair were not enough to be declared winner.

In his petition to the Supreme Court Wednesday, Mr Mahama said, “The claim that percentage of votes obtained by the 2nd Respondent [Nana Akufo-Addo] was 51.595% [6,730,413] of the total valid votes that she distinctly stated to have been 13,434,574 was a manifest error, as votes cast for 2nd Respondent would amount to 50.098% and not the 51.595% erroneously declared.”

Among other things, the petition is on the grounds that “the purported declaration of the results of the 2020 Presidential Election on the 9th day of December 2020 is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.”