Osei Ameyaw stepping down does not guarantee NPP unity – Ben Ephson

A decision by Osei Ameyaw to withdraw from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearership race and to support the favourite, Nana Akufo-Addo does not necessarily guarantee unity within the party, says Pollster Ben Ephson.

Ben Ephson maintains unity within the party, which has been hit recently by infighting and bickering, cannot be achieved just because one candidate opted out of the race and throw his weight behind another.

According Mr Ephson, unity can be achieved even when there is competition.

Mr Ameyaw, who is MP for Asuogyaman Constituency of the Eastern Region, told journalists Thursday, he was stepping down to support Akufo-Addo's effort to wrest power from the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking on Top Story on Joy FM 99.7 Thursday, Osei Ameyaw said among other things that he stepped down to support the lead contender, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to forge a united and formidable force in order to win power in 2016.

Nana Akufo-Addo polled more than 80% of all 740 votes in the Super Delegates' Conference to trim the number of aspirants from seven to five on August 31.

Prior to that election, marked by open support for Akufo-Addo, party members have clashed with NPP General Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong and Chairman, Paul Afoko over what they (supporters) describe as their disregard for the constitution of the party.

The party also seem divided between the camps of flagbearer hopeful Alan Kyerematen and Nana Akufo-Addo.

Ben Ephson told Top Story anchor Evans Mensah, the theme of unity should instead focus on "what is said against each other."

"The theme for unity should be for example that the national executive being firm that elected executives in the region should not openly campaign for any aspirant", he added.