The People’s National Convention (PNC) has expressed strong disappointment with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what they describe as a betrayal and neglect after its flagbearer, Bernard Mornah was disqualified from the December 7 presidential race. 

According to the National Chairman of the party, Samson Awingobit, none of the leadership within the NDC, which was perceived as an ally to the PNC did reach out to the party after their disqualification. 

“Could you imagine that since the time we did our election, the filing of our nomination and the Electoral Commission disqualified us, people who believe that my candidate, Bernard Mornah, is an ally to the NDC, could you believe nobody from the NDC, not even President Mahama, or Asiedu Nketia, or Fifi Kwetey or Omane Boamah - none of them called Bernard Mornah to sympathise with us,” he said in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosisen with Philip Osei Bonsu.

Mr Awingobit said that the party had thought that their disqualification from the presidential race was spearheaded by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) which influenced the Electoral Commission (EC).

• Read also: Bernard Mornah, 10 others disqualified from presidential race

However, he said the party was pleasantly surprised when the NPP’s flagbearer, Vice Dr Mahamudu Bawumia called to commiserate with them.

“You know who called? I had a cold when he [Benard Mornah] told me. He said it was the New Patriotic Party presidential candidate, His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. He was the one who rather picked up the phone. 

“Even I and my leader were saying that it was NPP that made Jean Mensa disqualify us. But the one you think is your enemy is not your enemy. Dr Bawumia could pick up his phone and say my younger brother, it is well with you,” he added.

The EC released a list of 13 individuals who passed the process and are set to contest in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections. 

• Read also: EC insists Bernard Monarh and 10 others were disqualified for valid reasons

However, Mr Mornah's name, and about 10 others, were missing from the list of approved applicants.

But the EC has firmly defended its decision to disqualify Mr Mornah alongside some presidential hopefuls from participating in the upcoming December 7 elections, asserting that it is ready to confront any legal challenges that may arise.

At an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on October 1, EC Chairperson Jean Mensa addressed the issue, emphasising that the Commission conducted a thorough vetting of all nomination forms before arriving at its decision.

She reiterated the Commission's commitment to ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process.

Mr Mornah has already filed a suit against the Commission hoping to overturn the decision.

The Progressive People's Party's Flagbearer Kofi Asamoah Siaw, has also sued the EC over his disqualification.