Even now that the selection of the running mate to the New Patriotic Party flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, has been short-listed to about four people, he is still among those to be considered by the party leadership. Lepowura Alhaji Mohammed Nurudeen Jawula, Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, a long standing member of the NPP, has been mentioned as a favourite party man to partner the NPP Presidential Candidate for the 2008 general elections. Speaking exclusively to The Statesman, Alhaji Jawula, who is also a traditional ruler of Kpembe Traditional Area of Northern Region, said he was prepared to relinquish his traditional authority and serve the nation as the number two man of the land, when NPP retains power in 2009. Again, he would have to resign from the civil service as the Chief Director. His people, including kingmakers and opinion leaders from the area, are in support of the decision and according to the Lepowura, his selection as a running mate would confirm the respect and recognition NPP has for the chieftaincy and traditional institutions in the country. What many people may not be aware is the fact that as far back as 1992, when he was still in civil service, Alhaji Jawula was attending NPP meetings and rallies. Pictures of him at such rallies were sighted by this paper. He said some members of the main opposition National Democratic Congress could even testify that he had been, and continues to be an NPP loyalist. Having worked in the civil and public services over thirty years without blemish, the Chief Director told this paper that he had no option but to go into politics saying, "I'm yearning to stand on political platforms with Nana Akufo-Addo in any capacity." Born and bred in Zongo, his selection as a running mate is expected to bring massive votes for the NPP from the Muslim and Zongo communities nationwide. Another plus for him is that Alhaji is well known across the country as a successful football administrator. He was the former Chairman of Ghana Football Association, Board Chairman of Real Tamale United football Club, member of the Local Organizing Committee of 1999, 2000 and 2008, CAF/FIFA Match Commissioner and member of CAF International Club Committee. He was once President of National Union of Ghana Students in 1970. "With his background and achievements, I want to say that Alhaji Jawula is a national asset and he will not be difficult to market at all," his advocate told The Statesman. Alhaji Jawula, a member of NPP Campaign Team for the Northern Region, maintained that the NPP flagbearer remains the best to take over from President Kufuor because of his grasp of issues, human rights record, a fighter, a multilingual, fearless politician, and someone "who knows his left from his right." He prayed that Almighty Allah would guide Nana Akufo-Addo to make the right choice, and said when that was done the decision should be respected. On the 2008 polls, the traditional ruler predicted that NPP would win not less than 54% and expressed the wish that the party rules for fifty years. According to him, it is not easy for ruling governments to convince the electorate to retain them in power, but he was convinced the Ghanaian electorate still has faith in the NPP. Born in Cowlane in Accra, Alhaji Jawula,59, as a recognition to his contribution to the nation and service to mankind, will tomorrow receive a national award, 'Order of the Volta’ category.