Led by the First National Chairman who claimed to be the acting National Chairman, Alhaji Bashiru Zakari said Mr Odike, who used to be the party’s flag bearer and the national chairman at the same time, was sacked from the party in March this year and ,therefore, could not lead the party to support any candidate.

Flanked by some executive members of the UPP and the Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, who doubles as the Ashanti Regional NDC Campaign Coordinator, Mr Andy Okra, Alhaji Bashiru said currently, the party was battling Mr Odike in court over his membership of the party.

Mr Okra welcomed them to the NDC and urged them to help spread the great message of the party to secure a resounding first round victory for President Mahama.

Background

On November 21, 2016 at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi, Mr Odike pledged his party’s support for the NPP and its presidential candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Prior to the 2012 election, Mr Odike, was the Presidential Candidate of the United Front Party (UFP), which he formed together with Mr Agyenim Boateng. He was, howerver, sacked after the 2012 polls. To avoid a protracted battle, he formed the UPP where he has now allegedly been sacked.

He could not get his name on the 2016 presidential ballot because of the legal battle.

Press conference

Alhaji Bashiru told the press that Mr Odike, together with National Treasurer and Women Organiser, Emmanuel Adjei Akrong and Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko were sacked from the party in accordance with Articles 28, 29 and 16 (subsection 3) of the UPP’s constitution on the grounds of misconduct.

He explained that in September this year, five national executive members of the party initiated a legal action against Mr Odike seeking a declaration that Mr Odike was not a member of the UPP and consequently could not declare himself as flag bearer and contest the 2016 electio n on the ticket of the UPP.

GH¢500,000

He alleged that although the case has been adjourned to December 5, 2016, Mr Odike had subtly gone to the NPP, taken GH¢500,000 and pledged the party’s support for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, adding that this allegation was confirmed by Mr Saahene who was given GH¢6,000.

Alhaji Bashiru cautioned Mr Odike to refund the party’s GH¢600,000 and two pickups in his possession before December 7 or face the wrath of the party.

JM

The executive members noted that they were impressed by the unprecedented infrastructure development and the great personal traits of President Mahama, hence the decision to support the team to secure a second term for him.