Apraku: Claims of 100 NPP MPs backing Akufo-Addo untrue

A New Patriotic Party flag bearer hopeful, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, has in strong and unequivocal terms disputed assertions that over 100 out of the 123 Minority MP’s are supporting Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s third time bid to lead the NPP.

Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and also the Member of Parliament for Weija, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, claims that the majority of NPP legislators are solidly behind the twice defeated presidential candidate though three of their colleague MPs are in the race.

Her claim was corroborated by the MP for Ablekuma North, Justice Joe Appiah, who in an earlier interview with Live News, said he would pray for the Holy Spirit to touch the remaining MPs who are opposed to Nana Addo being a third time presidential candidate to have a change of mind.

This open campaign and declaration of support for one candidate has not gone down too well with the National executives who have vowed to deal with errant MP’s who declare their support against the party’s regulations.

Live News sources have also indicated that there’s a growing concern among the Minority MP’s over Madam Ayorkor’s sweeping assertions as some have disputed the claim.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Live News, Dr. Konadu Apraku said he did not believe that the majority of NPP Legislators are rooting for Nana Addo.

He said people can make projections but “the people who are going to vote are out there and in spite of whatever statement that anybody makes, MPs are individuals, they are independent and they will make the decisions as they listen to the arguments that are being advanced”.

Dr. Apraku stated that he was yet to meet the MPs to canvass for their support, but noted that the figures being bandied around couldn’t be true.

“I’ve not had the opportunity to address any of the MPs but even then I don’t believe the number is correct, it can never be correct.

Dr .Kofi Konadu Apraku, himself a former Legislator, is confident of emerging victorious to become the next Presidential candidate of the largest opposition party though the odds are against him.

The 2008 and 2012 flagbearer Nana Addo and Alan Kwadwo Kyeremateng, a former Minister of Trade in the Kufour government are the front runners in the race for NPP 2016 presidential candidate.