NDC Parliamentary Front Is In Turmoil – Haruna Confirms With Curt Answers

The apparent turmoil within the front of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority in Parliament was all but confirmed by Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrissu, when he fielded questions over the telltale sign from the resignation of North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, from the Appointments Committee.

Addressing Ablakwa’s departure, the Tamale South MP said curtly that he was still Minority Leader and very much in charge.

“I am fully in charge. I’m Minority Leader this morning, I just engaged with the party leadership and Council of elders no further comment on someone resigning or not, thank you,” he responded.

The response style was quite unlike the Minority Leader, who is known for his trademark eloquence and tempered speech.

Suspected fractures in the Minority’s front started coming to light yesterday when Bolga Central MP, Isaac Adongo, expressed disappointment in his colleagues over the approval of Finance Minister-designate, Ken Ofori-Atta.

According to Mr. Adongo, Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrissu’s justification of reasons for the approval – that Ofori-Atta created the mess in the financial sector and should be allowed to face the mess- was not justifiable.

It is in the wake of this that MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, also announced his resignation from the Appointments Committee, citing personal reasons.

With the party’s base increasingly giving voice to their disappointment in the leadership of Haruna Iddrissu, the pressure was building when the Minority Leader sat with the Parliamentary press corps to field questions over the developments.

“I was having a meeting with the National Chairman, General Secretary and some respected members of the Council of elders of the NDC. the party is focused to work towards recapturing power in 2024 and the Parliamentary organ, led by me currently, will do what is needful, to work in tandem with the party to hold the Nana Akufo-Addo government accountable, and 

to lead the party to victory in 2024 or whatever storm it is we will weather it,” Haruna Iddrissu said.

He also somewhat justified the NDC’s disappointing failings in Parliament so far – “…let not anybody exaggerate that I have more than what I have which is known arithmetically and numerically.’

When asked whether a reshuffle in the leadership is imminent, Haruna responded by saying he was still the Minority Leader but that he is also an MP in his own right. “The party at any time will discuss that with the Caucus and Parliament to make a determination of that matter. Don’t forget that I’m in Parliament in my own right as elected Member of Parliament for Tamale South thank you,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Tamale South MP has denied rumors he is eyeing the NDC’s Presidential ticket for 2024.