Two-time presidential candidate of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, turns 70 years today (Saturday).

The former Attorney General was born on March 29, 1944. He led the NPP into the 2008 and 2012 general elections as flagbearer.

He lost to late President John Mills in 2008 and to current President John Mahama in 2012. He, together with his two-time running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and Party Chairman, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, contested the 2012 presidential results in court.

After a six-month hiatus, Nana Akufo-Addo returned from his vacation in London to announce his intention of running for the flagbearer slot again.

Other aspirants are likely to contest him for the slot. Some of those who have shown interest so far include former Trade Minister Alan Kyeremanten; former Minister of NEPAD and regional integration, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, who also directed Akufo-Addo’s 2012 presidential campaign. The others include former health Minister Dr Richard Anane who is also Member of Parliament for Nhyaeso, and former Ambassador to Ireland and High Commissioner to the UK, Isaac Osei who is also a Legislator for Subin.

Kyeremanten, who is seen by political watchers as Akufo-Addo’s strongest contender has already wished the two-time flagbearer a happy birthday via facebook. He wrote: “Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as you celebrate your 70th birthday, I wish you well, good health, long life and the blessings of the almighty God. May the years ahead bring you and your family greater happiness and fulfilment.”

Hordes of party leaders, elders and supporters are trooping to Akufo-Addo’s Nima residence to wish him well.

Nana Akufo-Addo will be 72 years in 2016 when the next general elections are due, and if he wins his party’s presidential primaries scheduled for later this year, he is likely to go to battle with archrival, John Mahama, who is likely to be retained by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). Mahama will be 57 years by 2016. He was born on November 29, 1958.