The Free National Movement (FNM) heads into a crucial week as the party readies itself for a leadership battle that pits the incumbent against his former deputy.

FNM chief Dr. Hubert Minnis and his deputy, East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest are hoping to retain the two top spots as they go head to head with Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner.

Mrs. Butler-Turner has chosen noted cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon and former senator, Dr. Duane Sands as her running mate.

The two-day convention comes after six FNM MPs – St Anne’s MP, Hubert Chipman; Montagu MP, Richard Lightbourn; North Eleuthera MP, Theo Neilly; Central Grand Bahama MP, Neko Grant; Fort Charlotte MP, Dr Andre Rollins and Mrs. Butler-Turner – threatened to submit a letter of no confidence to the governor general to have Dr Minnis removed as leader should he not agree to an early convention.

Dr. Minnis acceded.

Both Dr. Minnis and Mrs. Butler-Turner have strong support in their corners.

Former Cabinet minister Tennyson Wells has made no secret of his support for Dr. Minnis while former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette has gone on the record saying a Butler-Turner and Sands team is an “excellent choice.”

However, Mrs. Butler-Turner has lost to Dr. Minnis before during the FNM’s 2014 convention.

A statement from the Butler-Turner and Sands camp yesterday lauded the two for having run a “serious and thoughtful campaign” and that the time is now to move “a stagnant and divided FNM and indeed The Bahamas forward together.”

“Loretta and Duane are capable leaders. They believe that leaders must prove themselves. They have presented their vision. They can answer the hard questions. ‎If Minnis and his silent sidekick deputy can’t take on a talk show host how do they intend to take on Bradley Roberts and the PLP? Loretta and Duane have made themselves accessible and accountable to the people…and ‎ Minnis and his silent deputy have adopted a less serious attitude; they just want to “roc”. They have opted to have parties and concert,” the statement read.

“This is not the time for ROCing. Dr. Minnis and his running mate are insensitive and out of touch! Serious times require serious leaders.”

When recently asked if he would be attending the FNM’s convention, former FNM leader Hubert Ingraham only laughed.

However, when pressed for comment on what would it would take for the party to topple the Progressive Liberal Party in the 2017 General Election, Mr. Ingraham said simply, “the votes of people like you, your x.”

The FNM convention takes place July 27 -29 at the Melia Nassau Beach hotel.