The 8 Is With Me, Let NPP Break It If They Can – Mahama Expresses Satisfaction With Ballot Position
Former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed enthusiasm over the National Democratic Congress (NDC) being assigned the 8th position on the ballot for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Speaking during his campaign tour in the Ablekuma North Constituency in Greater Accra, Mahama emphasized the symbolic significance of the number 8 and its potential to galvanize support for the party’s challenge against the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Highlighting the irony of the NPP’s slogan, “break the 8,” Mahama pointed out that the number now aligns with the NDC, making it a rallying point for their campaign. “By the grace of God, we picked number 8. Some people say they want to break the 8. Well, the 8 is with us now. Let them come and break it if they can,” he remarked, underscoring his confidence ahead of the December 7 elections.
In his address, Mahama revisited key promises made by the NPP during the 2016 election campaign, particularly regarding fuel prices. He reminded voters of the NPP’s pledge to lower fuel costs, referencing the protests led by drivers at the time, who had complained about the high prices under his administration. “In 2016, drivers formed an association called ‘Drivers for Change’ and protested against fuel prices, which were 14 cedis per gallon. The NPP promised relief, but today, fuel is selling at 70 cedis per gallon. Where is the relief they promised?” Mahama questioned, drawing attention to what he described as unfulfilled promises by the ruling party.
Echoing Mahama’s sentiment, NDC General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey also expressed satisfaction with the party securing the 8th spot. He suggested that the number represents a turning point, following what the NDC views as eight years of mismanagement and corruption under the NPP. According to Kwetey, the party is now poised for a transformative election, using this symbolic placement on the ballot as a call for change in governance.
As the 2024 elections approach, the NDC appears to be drawing on both historical grievances and new momentum, with the 8th position on the ballot becoming a key symbol in their efforts to reclaim power from the NPP.