A leading member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Kwame Amoako-Tuffour says the party is not ready to experiment with another candidate ahead of the 2016 general elections.
He maintained that the 2012 presidential candidate of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo still remains the “automatic leader of the party in 2016”.
Dr. Amoako-Tuffuor’s comment is in reaction to claims by flagbearer aspirant, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen that he[Alan] is the best candidate to win power for the NPP.
Addressing members of the New York Chapter of the party last week, the presidential hopeful said amongst those vying for the flagbearership position of the NPP, he appeals more to floating voters.
An unusually blunt Kyeremanten stressed that there is the need for the NPP to field a candidate who will, according to him, “appeal to the 300,000 and 500,000 people who always decide the final vote”.
“Nana Akufo-Addo has not been able to bring us to power so we must explore other opportunities and choose a leader who will bring us back to power. That is why I am contesting for the position” he added.
But on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday, Dr. Amoako-Tuffuor described as laughable the “illogical” assertions of Alan Kyerematen.
According to him, it is evident Mr. Kyerematen does not know that the supposed floating voters are not the delegates going to elect the flagbearer.
The NPP man could not fathom why Alan would allow his presidential ambition to cloud his judgement on the reality on the ground.
“Those touting themselves as best candidates for NPP have already disqualified themselves because Akufo-Addo remains the man to beat. Everyone is saying no Nana no vote and that is the reality” he stressed.
Dr. Amoako-Tuffuor indicated that Ghanaians are anxiously waiting for Akufo-Addo to redeem them from the incompetent Mahama-led administration and thus “we are not ready to try our luck in 2016 with any new candidate”.
“We need a leader who will save the nation not someone who will come and loot the state coffers”.
–Adwoa Gyasiwaa