Head of Communications at the Presidency, Koku Anyidoho has lauded President Mills’ decision to retain Vice President, John Dramani Mahama as his running mate ahead of the 2012 polls. He said the endorsement of John Mahama comes as welcoming news to the NDC in their bid to retain power after the 2012 general elections. Mr. Anyidoho termed President Mills’ decision as “conventional wisdom” since that was exactly what every NDC faithful was expecting. The news of President Mills’ endorsement of John Mahama was made public on Thursday afternoon after the president met with the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party at an emergency session in Accra. According to Mr. Anyidoho, it would have been unfortunate for the NDC if another name had come up as the president’s running mate considering the worth and value of the vice president’s contributions to the NDC and the candidature of J.E.A. Mills in the build up to the 2008 general elections which contributed to the party's victory. Several reports have come up in the media on the possibility of President Mills quitting the presidency to hand over to John Mahama due to his persistent ill-health. There have also been speculations on who will be Mills’ running mate after the Sunyani congress. Speaking on Asempa FM’s current affairs talk show, Ekosii Sen on Friday, Koku Anyidoho said President Mills nominated John Mahama as his running mate ahead of the 2012 elections and was endorsed by NEC members who were present at the emergency meeting on Thursday. He however said the President cum flagbearer is not required by the party's constitution to consult party founder Jerry Rawlings before choosing a running mate. He expressed dismay at rumours that the President Mills was unwell and noted that he is as fit as a fiddle. According to him the NPP is still surprised at the success of the NDC Sunyani congress and the overwhelming unity the NDC is currently enjoying. He added that the NPP has no message that is why they keep finding unnecessary faults with the NDC government. Story by Abraham Lante Lamptey/Asempa News/Ghana