THE INDEPENDENT candidate in the by-election of the Odododiodio Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, has stepped aside for Mr. Jonathan Tackie Commey, the NDC Parliamentary candidate. Mr Walid Ayertei Laryea had thus brought relief to the executives of his party, after giving them restless nights.
Mr. Laryea, who had been prevailed upon by the former Vice-President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, top executives of the party including, the founder and the former head of State, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, withdrew his candidature yesterday amidst drama.
Eyewitnesses told this paper that after he had accepted to withdraw from the race, he notified the Electoral Commission, but collapsed soon afterwards and was rushed home.
Efforts to reach Mr. Laryea proved futile as he was reported to be unwell, by someone who identified himself only as ?Somebody?.
His stepping aside and pledging his unflinching support for the NDC candidate, was reminiscent of what happened at Asawase during the recent by-election.
Mr. Laryea had earlier defied all appeals from the rank and file of the party and threatened to pay the NDC in its own coin, by taking the seat as an Independent candidate.The party had earlier on declared him a non-party member.
Mr. Nii Lante Vanderpuye a leading NDC member has confirmed his pal?s withdrawal from the race and indicated his preparedness to galvanize more support for his party.
Earlier indications suggested that Mr. Laryea had demonstrated disrespect to the party leadership, following his refusal to rescind his decision in spite of the various calls on him in the supreme interest of the party.
It would be recalled that, Mr. Laryea, the disqualified candidate, who has now stepped aside, had consistently turned down calls by the former Vice President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills and the 2004 presidential candidate of the NDC, opinion leaders and the founder of the NDC, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, to step down for the party?s candidate, Mr. Jonathan Tackie Commey, to ensure a safe berth.
Source: GhanaWeb
