NDC Bono East Regional Youth Working Committee Chairman, Gadafi Pelpuo, has dismissed reports of a rift between President John Mahama and former Minister of State, Rashid Pelpuo.
He is urging party supporters to remain calm, insisting that recent political developments should not be interpreted as evidence of divisions between the two politicians.
According to Gadafi Pelpuo, President Mahama and Hon. Rashid Pelpuo have maintained a longstanding relationship dating back to before the 2008 elections, when Mr. Mahama was the running mate to the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
He cited an incident from that period when then-running mate John Mahama asked Hon. Pelpuo to lead a delegation from Bole to attend a funeral in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire.
Gadafi Pelpuo says the gesture reflects the longstanding relationship between the two politicians and argues that claims suggesting they are politically bitter with each other are misleading.
He, however, acknowledges that constituents have the right to express their disappointment and concerns over political developments.
He also pointed to President Mahama’s 2012 decision to appoint Hon. Pelpuo as Tourism Minister, only for the appointment to be changed within 24 hours, as an example of how political appointments can change.
According to him, President Mahama is an experienced politician who understands his team and knows how best to deploy members to achieve his administration’s objectives.
Gadafi Pelpuo is therefore calling on NDC members and supporters to remain calm and focus on strengthening the party.
He says while individual leaders and governments may come and go, the NDC must remain united and continue to exist beyond the current administration.
