Managing Editor of the Daily Dispatch Newspaper and Pollster, Ben Ephson has stated that the President, Nana Akufo-Addo’s personality is bigger than the ruling National Patriotic Party (NPP) and will smoothly sale through as flag bearer should he decide to contest in 2019’s party election.
According to him, his penetration into the grassroots from the past years in opposition and now in government cannot be compared to any personality who per chance will want to contest him for the party’s flagbearership.
Ben Ephson speaking on Ahotor FM Morning Show on Wednesday April 18 with Onantefour Addae-Mununkum, emphasized that the election of national executives purported to be anti Akufo-Addo will not affect his chances should he (Akufo-Addo) decide to stand for flagbearer in 2019.
Commenting on the alleged Stephen Ntim (National Chairmanship hopeful’s) audio tape, calling the bluff of the president’s decision to bring his favorite candidate Alhaji Short on board, Ben Ephson stated that the business of leaked tapes in our country’s politics has become so lucrative for some people in both NDC and NPP.
He stated that this leak voice tape will not be the first and we should expect more as the major parties gear towards their internal elections of leaders.
“This tape clearly confirms that Nana Addo is calling Ntim to step down from the National chairmanship race to make the race easier and simpler for his favorite aspiring candidate, Alhaji Short.
“It is so obvious that teaming supporters of the current president Nana Addo made Freddie Blay the first vice chairman and they will definitely be loyal to him during the election but I believe the president made some promise to Alhaji Short and he will make sure he fulfills that promise”
“Although the president supports Alhaji Short per the leaked audio, he has empowered Freddie Blay and the race will be difficult for his favorite candidate. I can clearly state that this race for chairmanship will be a difficult one for both Stephen Ntim and Alhaji Short”
Ben Ephson also stated that if the teaming supporters of Freddie Blay stick to him, he is likely to pull around 50% of the votes with the other 50% splitting for Stephen Ntim amd Alhaji Short.
“The president supports obviously supports Alhaji Short for chairmanship but people will vote for Freddie Blay because he played a major role as an acting chairman bring the party back to power in 2016”
“There is definitely going to be some misunderstandings before, during and possibly after the elections, looking at the Afoko experience”
“Nana is bigger than the party now and NPP won not because of the party’s strength and works but Nana’s third attempt and love by the majority in the party. I am sure Nana’s supporters who helped Freddie Blay to be first vice chairman will support him to become Chairman” He stated.
Ben Ephson also avowed that the NPP’s chairmanship race will not be keenly contested as stated by others.
Daniel Koranteng Kwagyiri|ahotoronline.com|Ghana
