New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship aspirant, Alhaji Abubakari Abdul Rahman, popularly known as Alhaji Short, has stepped down from the chairmanship race.
The former Upper West Regional Chairman of the party says he took the decision to withdraw from the race after long introspection and consideration, a move he believes is in the interest of the party.
A statement signed by his Campaign Manager Kwabena Marfo said: “To all my supporters and sympathisers, I want to thank you for your support. To the grassroots of our party who wished me well, thank you for your encouragement. And to all the members of my team, I thank you for your dedication. To all and sundry, I apologise for any inconvenience my decision have caused you.”
There has been reports that alleged that the Presidency impressed upon Alhaji Short to step down and throw his weight behind Acting Chairman of the party, Freddy Blay.
A meeting was said to have been held at the seat of government Sunday afternoon between President Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Short, where the decision or order for him to withdraw was communicated to the latter who reportedly was unhappy.
The reports said the President’s meeting with Alhaji Short, was preceded by another meeting with high ups in the government to prepare Alhaji Short for the eventual meeting with the President.
Those in the said meeting included Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, who hails from the same region as Alhaji Short; Gabby Otchere Darko, a close relative of the President who is believed to be very powerful but holds no official position and is believed to be the brain behind the decision, and lastly was a high-ranking presidential staffer, Lord Commey.
