A group calling itself "The Patriotic Group of NPP Members in the Diaspora" has submitted an eleven-point petition to the party pushing for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the party’s flag bearer, to select Northern Regional Minister Alhaji Mustapha Iddris as running mate. The group which comprises a sizeable number of “super active members of all the NPP chapters” across the United States and Europe says it is convinced beyond doubt that choosing the Minister would put the party on a better pedestal to harness the presidency. The group presented its petition to the hierarchy of the party including the Council of Elders, National Executive, National Council, and the Vice Presidential Search Team. Below is an excerpt of the petition: We the undersigned in pursuance of Article 12 section B of the NPP constitution, hereby resolve to earnestly submit that the body designated for the vice presidential search, selects Alhaji Mustapha Iddris in consultation with Nana Akufo-Addo as the NPP 2008 vice presidential candidate due to the following monumental reasons: 1. Among the possible running mates, Alhaji Mustapha Iddris is the only one who appeals largely to independent voters across Ghana, most especially in the northern part of Ghana due to his openness and neutrality to both the Andanis and the Abudus of Yendi 2. In fulfillment of Nana Akufo-Addo´s slogan: yenim wo firi tete (meaning we know you from time immemorial), Alhaji Mustapha Iddris more than qualifies in this regard. His loyalty to the NPP right from the onset of the party cannot be questioned 3. Alhaji Mustapha Iddris belongs to the larger group of Dagomba who embrace both the Andanis and the Abudus 4. Even though a small percentage of the NPP members would wish to push a female through the vice presidential selection process, this is not the time for such experimentation. The main opposition (NDC) has tactfully selected a veteran crowd pulling politician as their running mate. Alhaji Mustapha, a law veteran and a combatant politician will negate the Mahama factor for the NPP. 5. Alhaji Mustapha Iddris took upon himself to establish the northern Ghana branch of the NPP during the dark days of the party at the risk of his life; a role reminiscent of Nana Addo in the history of our party. 6. It is our hope that the vice-presidential search team will come to reflect on the realization that this is a-must-win election for Nana Akuffo-Addo hence imposition of a running mate whose loyalty to the NPP and Nana Addo is doubtful should be questioned and be a source of worry to all 7. The patriotic group of NPP members in the Diaspora applauds Alhaji Mustapha Iddris for exercising maturity and not playing dirty politics with the Vice-Presidential process to the future detriment of the party we have actively helped to build and sustain 8. Alhaji Mustapha Iddris is among a few of the NPP founding members who conspicuously fought for the party during the dark days in our history to the detriment of their lives. 9. Alhaji Mustapha´s resolve in extending a helping hand in the form of student scholarships to the youth of the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions signifies how he has endeared himself to the youth whose support is critical to the party´s victory 10. It is worth noting that the importance of selecting a running mate who will appeal to the party members (NPP), swing voters of Ghana and the three Northern regions of Ghana cannot be overemphasized. 11. Among the possible running mates, Alhaji Mustapha Iddris stands out tall with regards to his loyalty which Nana Akufo Addo can always count on. This is an important matrix highly significant for high consideration in such a noble process. The petition comes at a time when there are wild speculations among supporters of the NPP that its flag bearer is in a quandary as to who to go in for. Media practitioners have however given indications as to why some candidates are more qualified than others. Already names such as Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Women and Children’s Affairs; Alhaji Abubakar Saddique Boniface, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing; and Lepowura Nurudeen Mohammed Jawula, Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, have come up for consideration. For now, among the issues being considered are the academic prowess of the individuals, their involvement in the development of the NPP and Ghana, the public appeal of the individual, accessibility of the person and the experience that they bring to the ticket. Story by Fiifi Koomson.