Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Thomas Akurugu has described as painful his decision to withdraw from the party’s parliamentary primaries in the Bolgatanga Central Constituency.
Speaking in an interview on Breakfast News on Monday, Mr. Akurugu said he had prepared adequately and was on course to winning the primaries in May and eventually, the seat in 2024.
However, leadership of the party at regional and national level intervened and impressed upon to step aside for the incumbent Member of Parliament for the constituency, Isaac Adongo to go uncontested, he added.
He said although the intervention for him to withdraw from the race is in the interest of the NDC, it was difficult and painfully for him to arrive at such a decision.
“I have officially withdrawn from the contest. The reason why I did so was because I have been called upon by the National Chairman, Asiedu Nketiah, the regional executives and then the elders of the party in Bolga Central to reconsider my decision,” he told Nicolas Azebire.
He added, “I have done some assessment on the grounds and I must tell you that if I have gone for that contest, there would have been breaking news in Bolgatanga Central. I’m very convinced that the grassroot is for me and I was going to win that contest and that would have been big news. And that is why I have started by telling you that it is painful (that I have to withdraw)”.
Despite withdrawing from the contest, Mr. Akurugu is hopeful of getting the nod one day to represent his party and ultimately, become MP for Bolgatanga Central.
“It’s not over yet. I definitely one day will become the MP for Bolgatanga Central, there’s no doubt about that one. I have a contribution to make to the people of Bolga Central. I am oriented developmentally and I’m praying one day, Bolga Central will receive me as their new MP and I will let them know what it means to be an MP”.
Thomas Akurugu officially withdrew his bid to oust Mr. Adongo in the primaries just about 48 hours to the close of filing of nominations.
His decision paves the way for Mr. Adongo, who is seeking a third term, to secure the party’s ticket for the 2024 Elections unchallenged.
