Akuffo Addo to win Sympathy votes in 2016? Part II

In arguing for the increased likelihood of an Akuffo Addo victory in Election 2016 (if he still leads the NPP), I incurred the displeasure and derision of a friend who, like some NDC stalwarts--judging from their comments in the aftermath of our Supreme Court upholding the validity of President John Mahama's presidential victory in Election 2012, believes that 'Akuffo Addo is finished politically' and 'won't stand a dog's chance at winning the presidential election if the NPP retains him for 2016.'

But I beg to differ. I sincerely believe that Akku Addo stands a better chance at winning the 2016 Presidential election if he is retained by the NPP as flagbearer. Here's why.

Any unbiased and non-sentimental analysis of the two times NPP Flagbearer's performance in Election 2012 will have to admit that he did quite well despite his ill-advised public persona and seemingly ethnocentric and supposedly violent nature in the lead up to the elections. He chalked a total of 47.74% of total votes cast as opposed to the eventual winner John Dramanni Mahama's 50.70%.

In comparing Akuffo Addo's figures in Election 2012 to those of 2008, when he notched up the highest percentage of 49.13% in the first round, last years performance was the better of the two. To still be able to win close to 50% of total votes cast after his infamous 'yen akanfo.....' comments is a telling evidence, which indicates his enduring popularity and ability to still pull votes, no matter what--something that a first time candidate might find difficult doing.

And therein lies the core of my argument. There is such a thing as 'sympathy votes' and 'sympathy voters.' And the NPP might just profit from that if Akuffo Addo is still party leader and flagbearer in 2016. That's also something NDC stalwarts are aware of and deep down in their hearts they'll consider the NPP plunging for somebody else a blessing.

They know very well that there's the likelihood of Akuffo Addo being third time lucky just as the late President Mills was in Election 2008.

Akuffo Addo's swift acceptance of the Supreme Court verdict and his call for national unity was the game-changer. It endeared him to some and goes a long way to mending his public persona, which was undeniably dented by his own seemingly ethnocentric comments and the more damaging ones by Keneddy Agyapong in the lead up to the December, 2012 elections.

People generally love the underdog and Akuffo Addo's misfortune of losing thrice--2008, 2012, 2013 (the Election petition) might just be what will change his fortunes in case the NPP rallies around him and choses to present him as flagbearer in 2016.

And I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be retained; if he's willing to, why not? The argument that he is too old is pure nonsense. If he's still healthy and active, why not? He'll perform better than any other candidate, and might just be third time lucky.

NB: Stanley Courage Duoghah is a self-educated writer and poet based in Ghana.