One of the aspiring candidates in the hotly contested National Chairmanship race of the National Democratic Congress, Alhaji Huudu Yahya has pulled out of the contest

It is not immediately clear why he withdrew in the eleventh hour.

The announcement of his withdrawal comes after the conclusion of opening ceremonies and speeches at the party's delegates' congress, and right before the commencement of voting for the national executives.

Alhaji Yahaya's departure leaves the position to be fought for by incumbent Dr. Kwabena Adjei, NADMO boss Kofi Portuphy and former MP for Keta, Dan Abodakpi.

Dr. Michael Whyte Kpesah told Joy News, Alhaji Huudu Yahaya may have stepped down because of what he called a misguided perception that the north is a monolithic group of people.

The party’s Women's Organizer, Youth Organizer and the President himself are all of northern extraction. Dr. Whyte Kpessah, said Alhaji Huudu Yahaya may have become an unfortunate victim of the perception that too many officers of the party were beginning to emerge.

But his explanation was rejected by the communications team of Huudu Yahaya.

“[The reason is left in the head of Huudu Yahaya,” Abu Afandi told Joy News.

He said the team is yet to meet Alhaji Huudu Yahaya to find out his reason.

He warned comments that can have tribal connotations, stressing that the party is mass-based political grouping.

Alhaji Huudu Yahaya sees all the contestants in the race as competent, and would not throw his weight behind any particular candidate, he said.

Abu Afandi also remarked that his boss is ready to serve the party in any capacity because of his love for the NDC.