A former presidential candidate of the People’s National Convention (PNC) Dr Edward Nasigre Mahama has picked up presidential forms, in a bid to lead the party in the 2016 elections.
Dr Edward Mahama, who was the party’s presidential candidate from 1996 to 2008, will compete with 2012 flagbearer Hassan Ayariga and former party chairman, Micheal Mensah-Bonsu.
Addressing the media after picking up his forms, Dr. Mahama said he decided to contest due to the pressure from party supporters.“The rank and file have come to my residence several times pleading with me to come back as they are calling me to come. I’m working for them. I won’t turn my back on my followers,” he said.
Dr Mahama received 3.0% of the votes in the 1996 elections. In his second attempt at the presidency in 2000, he won 2.5% of the votes.
In preparation for the 2004 presidential election, PNC chose Mahama as its presidential candidate after the party and two others, Every Ghanaian Living Everywhere (EGLE) and the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) formed an alliance known as the Grand Coalition.
He placed third out of four candidates, winning 1.9% of the voteHe placed third out of four candidates during the 2004 elections, winning 1.9% of the votes.
His last contest was in the 2008 presidential elections.
However, in the 2012 elections, Dr. Mahama, who had 0.22% vote, lost his bid to Hassan Ayariga.