The National Executive Council of the NDC is expected to hear Prof. Atta Mills’ preference for Mr. John Mahama as vice presidential candidate of the party. Prof. Mills is meeting with the council as a first step in a series of consultations necessary for the acceptance of his choice. Sources close to the Law Professor told Joy News that the NDC flag bearer met with the Northern Regional Chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Samari Zakari and a youth activist, Sofo Azoka on the matter. The meeting was to explain to them the rationale for his selection of Mr. John Mahama. It was in response to reports that Azoka led a group of angry youth in Tamale who vandalised property following media reports that Mr. Mahama had been picked for the job. The group rooted for Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni who partnered Prof. Mills in the 2004 elections. Obviously in a move to diffuse the tension, Prof. Mills met with Azoka and other leading members of the party and charged them with the responsibility of explaining the choice to the party’s supporters in the region. Sources close to Joy FM say the NDC flag bearer is sticking to the choice of the Bole Bamboi MP despite vehement protests by the former first lady. Mrs. Rawlings was reported as saying that Prof. Mills will not be allowed to have his way with regards to choosing a running mate. She is rooting for the wife of former Defence Minister, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Mrs. Betty Mould Iddrisu. But Prof. is going ahead with his choice of Mr. John Mahama. One of his aides, Mr. Koku Anyidoho told Joy News he was not aware of any meeting between Prof. Mills, Alhaji Zakari and Azoka. He however conceded he was aware they came to Accra on Wednesday, April 2, 2008. Contrasting his position, Azoka told Joy News the group indeed met with Prof. Mills. He said he still hoped the former vice president will choose Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni as his running mate. Asked why, he said, “Prof. Mills is a Christian and the leader of the party. The second in command should be a Muslim”. He contended that Alhaji Mumuni worked hard for the party to win many seats in the Northern Region and therefore deserved to be given the nod. Prof. Mills is meeting with the council as a first step in a series of consultations necessary for the acceptance of his choice. Sources close to the Law Professor told Joy News that the NDC flag bearer met with the Northern Regional Chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Samari Zakari and a youth activist, Sofo Azoka on the matter. The meeting was to explain to them the rationale for his selection of Mr. John Mahama. It was in response to reports that Azoka led a group of angry youth in Tamale who vandalised property following media reports that Mr. Mahama had been picked for the job. The group rooted for Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni who partnered Prof. Mills in the 2004 elections. Obviously in a move to diffuse the tension, Prof. Mills met with Azoka and other leading members of the party and charged them with the responsibility of explaining the choice to the party’s supporters in the region. Sources close to Joy FM say the NDC flag bearer is sticking to the choice of the Bole Bamboi MP despite vehement protests by the former first lady. Mrs. Rawlings was reported as saying that Prof. Mills will not be allowed to have his way with regards to choosing a running mate. She is rooting for the wife of former Defence Minister, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Mrs. Betty Mould Iddrisu. But Prof. is going ahead with his choice of Mr. John Mahama. One of his aides, Mr. Koku Anyidoho told Joy News he was not aware of any meeting between Prof. Mills, Alhaji Zakari and Azoka. He however conceded he was aware they came to Accra on Wednesday, April 2, 2008. Contrasting his position, Azoka told Joy News the group indeed met with Prof. Mills. He said he still hoped the former vice president will choose Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni as his running mate. Asked why, he said, “Prof. Mills is a Christian and the leader of the party. The second in command should be a Muslim”. He contended that Alhaji Mumuni worked hard for the party to win many seats in the Northern Region and therefore deserved to be given the nod.