Akufo-Addo’s lobbyists are possessed – Balado Manu

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South, Stephen Kwaku Balado-Manu, says those who have openly endorsed the party’s 2012 presidential candidate should not be blamed for their gaffe.

According to him, the premature endorsement of Nana Akufo-Addo as the 2016 flagbearer of the party, especially by some over-zealous National Executives, was because they were possessed by the evil spirit called "gbeshie".

Balado Manu was speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme on Tuesday.

NPP General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie also known as Sir John, is the lead lobbyist to get Akufo-Addo to contest the flagbearership race unopposed, ahead of 2016 general elections.

Their call comes despite Nana Addo’s decision to take a break to reflect on his political future moments after the Supreme Court dismissed the election petition he [Nana] and two others filed challenging the outcome of the 2012 presidential polls.

Some party members in the Ashanti region have threatened to boycott the upcoming delegates’ congress if Nana Akufo-Addo does not contest.

The party seems to be divided on the position certain leading members have taken. Those dissenting believe the NPP must restructure before thinking about who should lead them in 2016 – a position Stephen Kwaku Balado-Manu strongly advocates.

He said the battle for the flagbearership slot is immaterial for a party which is recovering from an electoral defeat.

The former Ahafo Ano South MP noted that the party must do an introspection of its performance in the 2012 election and restrategize to find a lasting solution to the series of electoral defeats.

Balado-Manu said if the foundation is strong, anyone the NPP chooses as flagbearer will deliver a landslide victory for the party.