Stephen Atubiga pulls out of NDC presidential race

In a letter to the General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, he explained that "Having submitted myself to counsel, prayers and direction, I wish to withdraw from the NDC flagbearship race ahead of the 2020 general elections.

"After a fathomless deliberation and consultation with well-wishers, and my team, I have decided to throw my weight behind His Excellency John Dramani Mahama."

On Tuesday, December 4, followers of Stephen Atubiga picked up nomination forms on behalf of the presidential hopeful.

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The followers who are said to be from the onion market in Accra arrived at the party headquarters with a bundle of cash amounting to GH¢20,000 as payment for the forms.

He described himself as the man for the people to save Ghana.

He said "I'm very grateful for the opportunity. Tell my other colleagues to step down for me. Soothsayers, mallams say it’s my time and even pastors have confirmed that it’s my time, so they should give me the opportunity to the rule the country. I have a special place for them."

Stephen Atubiga Pulse Ghana

But the Atubiga who touts himself as the only aspirant to take the NDC to the presidential seat has pulled out of the race.

"I want to personally thank my brother honourable Haruna Iddrisu for his wise counsel and brotherly advice. My gratitude to the party, council of elders for their intervention and roles played regarding the upcoming flagbearership elections of the great NDC.

"In a lengthy discussion with His Excellency John Mahama, I can conclude that his vision matches mine. He gave me an assurance of pulling the party along, building party offices throughout the constituencies, creating jobs, empowering the youth and ensuring capacity building for the youth.

"Upon further discussion, he also stated unequivocally his desire to restructure the SHS system, so as to make it better. Our whole discussion surrounded developmental plans to push the country forward."

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"The era where items and monies meant for party work were hoarded by some persons is one of the things he has promised to completely annihilate as far as our party is concerned. I believe all aspirants have what it takes to lead this country, having observed and listened to them all, John Mahama is the one who can give us victory.

"JDM stands tall as far as the peoples choice on the ground is concerned. When it comes to logistics, mobilisation for our party, JDM stands tall. Bad governance of the NPP has made JDM a 'god' every Ghanaian is worshipping today. If I, Stephen Atubiga could go to prison for John Mahama to be president, it is for the love of the party.

"I can with no hesitation, sacrifice my ambition for him to win us power come 2020, for the love of the party. Running for this flagbearership position are many very able and committed men, their position may be varied but their hearts and ideas are all to move the party and the country forward. I wish them all the best of luck and hope that they will come out stronger than ever after this election. The NDC stands tall at the end of the day, God bless us all," Atubiga said in a letter to the party.