Private legal practitioner, Ralph Agyapong, has advised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) not to allow the embattled James Gyakye Quayson to contest for the Assin-North bye- elections.
He explains that although he has the right to contest for the by-elections, the party ought to know that the embattled Member of Parliament, is now going through criminal process, after the Supreme court had ordered that his name be removed from the records of Parliament.
“Whether or not he will be convicted, we can’t tell…so what if after going for the primaries and he wins and subsequently wins the parliamentary seat too but the criminal proceedings convicts, and the Electoral Commission declares the seat vacant, will the NDC now elect a new candidate for another bye-election”, he told Kwaku Dawuro on Movement In The Morning Show on Movement TV/Wontumi Radio.
He said that although the NDC could take such a risk, but they ought to know that it’s very dangerous- stressing that if the high court judge reads the judgement and realizes that the Apex court was apt and right in its ruling, then the possibility that James Gyakye Quayson will be convicted is very high.
He expressed shock at the decision of the party’s General Secretary, to still go ahead and present James Gyakye Quayson as its candidate for any possible bye-election, when he still has an issue, he’s battling with in court.
“What if after winning the elections and one day his case is called for hearing, but having gone to the court, he never returns home because he’s convicted. Are there now going to get a new candidate”, he asked.
He stressed that it would be better off, if the man is left to go through the criminal process peacefully and know his stance, as to whether he will be exonerated or convicted.
“The NDC should better look for another candidate”, he advised.