Mr Dan Botwe, Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament (MP) for Okere says nobody can stop Nana Akufo-Addo from contesting 2016 if he so wishes. He says the 2012 flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party and first petitioner in the election petition dispute, Nana Akufo-Addo, has contributed a lot to the building of the NPP, therefore, can contest in 2016 if he decides to get back into politics.

He said the current discussion on who leads the NPP in 2016 is premature and appealed to members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to end it.

Mr Botwe said such a debate should rather focus on how to restructure the NPP to build a solid ground at the grassroots ahead of the 2016 general election.

Speaking to journalists in Koforidua, Mr Botwe said the party’s priority should be how to deepen democracy and finding a way forward after the landmark election petition.

The NPP filed the petition challenging the validity of the Electoral Commission declaring Mr John Dramani Mahama as President.

“Who leads the party in 2016 should not take the centre stage of discussions now,” he stressed.

Mr Botwe said according to the party’s constitution, a presidential candidate would be elected in 2014.

He said the exercise is preceded by polling station and constituency elections.

“All these activities are geared towards strengthening the party and making it attractive for 2016.

“If you look at the role Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo has played since the formation of our party, and the commendation he had received from both local and the international community after the Supreme Court verdict on the election petition, nobody can stop him from leading the party in 2016 if he so wishes,” he said.

He pointed out that it is important that Ghanaians respect the decision of Nana Akufo-Addo to stay off politics for some time.

Mr Botwe expressed the hope that the NPP would come out stronger to capture power in 2016.

“If we are able to build our structures well, no matter who leads the party, we shall win power,” he said.