NPP Delegates' Conference a victory for Nana Akufo-Addo

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Created on Monday, 14 April 2014 00:00

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NPP Delegates' Conference a victory for Nana Akufo-Addo

But for Otiko Afisa Djaba retaining her position as the National Women organiser, the New Patriotic Party in the early hours of April 13, 2014 elected a new set of executives to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.

Some are calling it a "thorough house cleaning exercise" with a potential presidential candidate aspirant of the party describing it as a "new direction for the party". What the NPP has made resoundingly clear from the national delegates' conference is that victory in 2016 is non-negotiable.

However, one thing also remains clear. None of the candidates, and winners on the day for that matter, could have made it without Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and that is the honest truth. From the polling station level, through to constituency, regional and the national level, candidates campaigned using the name of Nana Akufo-Addo.

From the use of Akufo-Addo's name in their campaign messaging, to the display of pictorial evidence suggesting a perfect relationship with Nana Addo appearing in campaign brochures of most candidates, Nana Addo remained an ever present and integral part of the electioneering process.

Some candidates even went to the extent of fabricating endorsements of their candidacy by Nana Addo.

Newly elected National Chairman, Mr. Paul Afoko minced no words when he told delegates and media outlets across the country that "I would make Akufo-Addo President in 2016."

Kwabena Agyepong, General Secretary of the party, held a press conference solely to debunk allegations that he had a "fractured relationship" with Nana Akufo-Addo. Indeed, Kwabena Agyepong's campaign brochure was replete with pictures of himself and Nana Addo, solely to paint a picture of a wonderful working relationship with Nana.

Sammy Awuku, National Youth Organiser of the party; John Boadu, National Organiser; Otiko Djaba; Mr. Abankwah, Treasurer, and Mr. Kamal Deen, Nasara Co-ordinator all campaigned with Nana Akufo-Addo.

This is a clear endorsement, recognition and acknowledgement of the fact that Nana Akufo-Addo remains the Presidential Candidate of choice for all the current National executives of the party.

If indeed, Nana Addo was not a critical factor to in their bid to secure victory, why did they "use" him? Why didn't any of the candidates campaign with the name of Alan Kyerematen, Asamoah Boateng, Richard Anane, Osei Ameyaw or Dr. Konadu Apraku? Your guess is as good as mine.

Indeed, when his presence at the Tamale delegates' conference on Saturday, the cheers he received from delegates was deafening, an overwhelming declaration by the delegates that none other but Nana Akufo-Addo was their preferred candidate for 2016.

Heads or tails, regardless of the candidates who emerged victorious, one thing remains clear, they are candidates of Nana Akufo-Addo and could not have made it without him.

Mohammed Alhassan

Builsa South Constituency