After all the media hype of his parliamentary bid, it has emerged that popular radio presenter Abeiku Santana did not follow through on his plans to contest in the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) upcoming primaries.
Abeiku Santana with real name Gilbert Aggrey Santana was the second media guru after Kojo Oppong Nkrumah to express interest in going to Parliament.
The astute presenter had wanted to contest in the NDC primaries in the Mfantseman constituency in the Central Region.
Abeiku Santana had explained that he is competent enough to run for the position adding that the 18 years experience from working in the media will be beneficial in his work as MP if he is elected.
“I have been a voice and a mouthpiece for the people for the past 18 years. I have been in radio business for 18 years. I have heard people’s grievances, I have heard people’s concerns and I think there should be a new crop of legislators,” he said.
However information available to citifmonline.com suggests that the radio presenter did not even pick up his nomination forms.
Citifmonline.com’s Central Regional reporter, Akwesi Koranteng said the constituency secretary told him that “Abeiku Santana after a long wait did not pick up nomination forms. As at now, they are still expecting him to pick up the nomination forms.”
“I understand he is still in Accra,” he added.
It is currently unclear why Abeiku Santana has decided to not to contest in the primaries but all efforts to get him speak on record proved futile.
The deadline for submission of the nomination forms ends 5pm today [Thursday].
Speaking to Accra based Asempa FM, Kwesi Budu Hagan, the NDC’s deputy constituency secretary said “I must state that Abeiku Santana as I speak failed to pick nomination forms or submit any to contest the Mfantseman seat.”
On reasons for his withdrawal, the constituency secretary said “I am sure he conducted his own research and found out that the party chairman was solid on ground and hence knew he would lose if he contests…so he decided to withdraw to save his reputation,” he said.
Source: Citifmonline
