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20.10.2014 Politics

We have the dossier to retire Akufo-Addo in 2016 - Okudzeto Ablakwa

By MyJoyOnline
We have the dossier to retire Akufo-Addo in 2016 - Okudzeto Ablakwa
20.10.2014 LISTEN

Deputy Education Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says the governing party is excited at the choice of Nana Akufo-Addo as flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2016 general elections.

According to him, the NPP leader will not be “third time lucky” because they have the dossier and formula to defeat him in the 2016 polls.

“Our party's rank and file is very excited about the choice [because] we have the psychological advantage over Nana Addo” he added.

The governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) seems to have heaved a sigh of relief with Akufo-Addo's selection as leader of the NPP.

Its General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia has said after beating Nana Addo in two successive elections [2008 and 2012] the NDC is set to hand him a hat-trick in defeat. 

Some political pundits have cautioned the NDC not to be complacent because Akufo-Addo can pull a surprise in 2016.

But speaking on Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen programme Monday, Okudzeto Ablakwa said the history is on their side.

“No sitting president in the Fourth Republic has lost his second term. Former presidents Jerry Rawlings and John Kufuor won and President Mahama will win in 2016,” he stated.

The Deputy Education Minister noted that the only time an opposition party wins against an incumbent government is when the party presents a new candidate.

“No opposition candidate has defeated an incumbent president and we are not going to disappoint the history of the fourth republic” he stressed.

Okudzeto Ablakwa however expressed shock at the level of excitement in the NPP when in fact the internal bickering is far from over.

In his view, Akufo-Addo's popularity in the NPP is not in doubt but whether he can attract votes outside his party is the issue.

“Behind the smokescreen is total discontent; if I were in the NPP, I would be worried,” he said.

Story by Ghana/Adomonline.com/Adwoa Gyasiwaa

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