Baako jabs NPP over Akufo-Addo’s endorsement

Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Malik Kweku Baako Jnr., has condemned the ongoing endorsement of NPP 2012 presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, to reignite his bid for the presidency in 2016.

He described the action as self-serving and opportunistic.

The campaign, which was started by the party's national General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, has been stoked by some leading members of the party.

It has also received massive backings from some regional and constituency executives of the party.

There have, however, been some dissenting voices in the party who think the approach is premature and undemocratic.

But the man in question, Nana Akufo-Addo says he plans to take a break from politics, and use the period to seek God's face on his political future.

Speaking on Joy FM's news analysis programme Newsfile on Saturday, Mr Kweku Baako faulted what he called poor management skills on the part of the party.

"I think what the General Secretary did, and he's been supported by other leading members of the party subsequently, is a reflection of the poverty of their management skills, and their leadership capacity when it comes to how to organise a political organization," he added.

He observed that the timing of the announcement has created "distraction and factionalism" among the rank and file of the party.

Following the party's defeat at the Supreme Court, Mr Baako thinks the timing was wrong, adding that the party "has a lot of things to do [but have decided to] jump the gun".

He emphasised that the action "amounts to premature ejaculation, it's self-serving and opportunistic".

For Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Executive Director of Danquah Institute, Nana's decision to take a break and seek the face of God must be respected.

He, however, noted "political ambition is not necessarily driven by what you feel in a democratic environment; it's about how people feel about your candidacy".

On his part, Nana Ato Dadzie, Spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal team in the just dismissed Presidential Election Petition, and a former Chief of Staff in the Rawlings regime, suggested that Nana Akufo-Addo, like J.B. Danquah whose ideology the NPP hold steadfast, can make meaningful contributions to the nation without holding a political office.

He said Nana Akufo-Addo has been "honoured by this country" judging by the numerous commendations coming his way after he accepted the Supreme Court's verdict.

"[But] the decision is his, the decision is the party's," he deferred.

So far as Alex Segbefia, a former deputy Chief of Staff under Atta Mills administration, was concerned, Nana will not have what it takes to beat John Mahama in 2016.