A group calling itself the Northern Nkrumaist Forum has called on all Nkrumaists in the three Northern Regions to rally behind the National Democratic Congress in the election run-off. According to Prof. Abubakar Alhassan Spokesperson of the group and one time chairman of the Convention People’s Party, the need for change cannot be negotiated. He said the forum, consisting of members from smaller political parties, believes the NDC share similar ideology with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah the first president of Ghana, and would serve the interest of the country better than the New Patriotic Party. Prof Alhassan told news men in Tamale on Monday they would campaign vigorously to ensure victory for the NDC. He conceded the task ahead was going to be a difficult one, but maintained, victory was certain for the NDC. December 28, 2008 has been penciled for the run-off and the two political parties are seriously lobbying to get the support of the smaller parties. Already the Democratic Freedom Party has declared its support for the ruling NPP, but the CPP and the PNC are on the fences at least for now. The NPP’s Akufo-Addo garnered 4,159,439 or 49.13 percent of valid vote cast whilst the NDC’s Prof. John Evans Atta Mills raked in 4,159,439 4,056,634 47.92%. Both failed to meet the 51 per cent plus one vote constitutionally mandated of them to occupy the high office of the presidency. Story by Nathan Gadugah and based on report filed by Joy correspondent Mahama Shaibu.