National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has withdrawn from the race for National Organiser, in a move that has dramatically altered the contest ahead of the party’s October 3 elections.
Mr. Mustapha’s withdrawal was announced on Wednesday during the balloting exercise for 47 aspirants contesting various national positions.
Chairman of the NPP National Election Committee, Frederick Opare-Ansah, disclosed the development to representatives of the National Organiser aspirants during the balloting exercise.
According to Mr. Opare-Ansah, he received official communication from Mr. Mustapha confirming his decision to withdraw from the contest earlier on Wednesday.
The decision has reduced the number of aspirants vying for the influential National Organiser position from eight to seven.
Mr. Mustapha, the incumbent National Youth Organiser, had been among the eight candidates cleared by the National Officers Election Vetting Committee to contest the position.
His sudden exit has triggered speculation within the party, with questions being raised about the reasons behind the withdrawal and whether concerns over his prospects at the polls influenced the decision.
For some observers, the move could be interpreted as an attempt to avoid a potentially damaging defeat and the political embarrassment that could accompany a poor showing in a highly competitive contest.
However, Mr. Mustapha has not publicly stated that fear of defeat or concerns about his electoral prospects were the reasons for his withdrawal.
Balloting for the remaining seven aspirants proceeded as scheduled, with the final order of names on the ballot paper determined without Mr. Mustapha.
Mr. Opare-Ansah said the Election Committee would provide further information on the matter at a later time.
The withdrawal leaves the remaining candidates to battle for one of the NPP’s most strategically important national positions as the party prepares for its October 3 national elections.
