A Vice-Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah has picked nominations forms to contest the flag-bearership slot of the party. A delegation of seven tendered in Dr Spio-Garbrah’s resignation letter as Vice-Chair, and picked his forms today, May 10, the deadline for picking of nominations. A botched attempt was made Monday to pick the forms. The party’s General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia returned Alhaji Seidu Nasiru who was sent to pick the forms, arguing Dr Spio-Garbrah had not resigned his post – a key requirement for party executives wishing to contest the elections. Dr Spio-Garbrah, who is also the CEO of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) followed that up with a message on his facebook page saying; “As to whether I pick up a nomination form today (Tuesday)…or not will depend on my view of whether if I pick up the forms, I will be contributing to peace in the NDC or not. So peacemaking in the NDC is still my objective.” "Others have urged me to throw my weight and those of my supporters behind one of the two prospective candidates. Yet others urge that I file my nomination in order to demonstrate my continuing interest in leading the NDC and the good people of Ghana someday. It has been a period for deep reflection, prayer and consultation. In the words of some, if my father and my mother are going through a “political divorce” it is better not to get involved or to support one side against the other. Other supporters, however, have stated that I need to go beyond simply staying neutral in these divorce proceedings, and have encouraged me to continue to pursue the “Peacemaking and Unity” in the NDC that I begun some weeks ago," he lectured. The former Communications Minister intimated that the competition within the NDC must not bring the party to its knees. "This is why appeals must continue to be made to all right thinking members of the NDC, especially the Founding Fathers, the Council of Elders, The President and Leader, the National Secretariat, and specific individuals whose voices carry weight within the Party to strive for a negotiated resolution of the current crisis before open warfare is declared. What would be the point of winning an internal NDC battle only to lose the more important war at a national election? It may be recalled that in 2006, a similar attempt at fend-mending was planned between those supporting my campaign and Prof J.E. A. Mills, but this was eventually scuttled, leading to long-term adverse effects." This will be Dr Spio-Garbrah's second attempt at the flag-bearership of the NDC, having lost heavily in 2006 to President Mills. Two others - Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu and Mr Eddie Annan - contested that primary as well. Dr Spio-Garbrah came a distant second. He is expected in Ghana by Monday next week to launch his campaign and, in the words of his campaign co-ordinator, Alhaji Nasiru, "outline his agenda for the NDC and the country." The Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo, Mr Michael Teye Nyaunu who supports Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings to the hilt, however believes Dr Spio-Garbrah may not follow the process through (Spio-Garbrah is viewed as a friend of the Rawlingses). He maintains if the former Education Minister goes on to battle Mrs Rawlings and President Mills for the flag-bearership of the NDC, it will be ample testimony to the gaping cracks in the party. The contest in the governing party promises to be an exciting one with Dr Spio-Garbrah joining the fray now. The party goes to congress on July 8, to elect a presidential candidate for the 2012 elections. Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana