Psyche up for defeat: Irbard tells Mahama, Akufo-Addo

Given that the stakes for the November 7 presidential elections are very high, the two main contenders, President John Dramani Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, flagbearers of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), respectively, have been urged to psyche themselves up for defeat in the case of such eventuality.

Mr Irbard Ibrahim, a security analyst, who offered the counsel, said it appeared to him that President Mahama has not psyched himself up for defeat in the forthcoming elections, a situation he found surprising.

“President Mahama feels surprisingly comfortable in his seat. I don't think he has even psyched his mind up for potential defeat. People as old as the president call him 'Daddy'. That's what power does when people around power benefit from it. But Sir, know your true friends because you'll get to know the phony ones the very day power slips out of yours hands, ask Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria,” Mr Ibrahim said.

On the other hand, he said: “If Nana Addo loses, the Elephant fraternity will be put to the northern litmus test again. If Dr Bawumia [Mr AKufo-Addo’s running mate] is rejected as flagbearer just like Alhaji Aliu Mahama of blessed memory, then the party will lose northern sympathy and it would take a long time to win over northerners again.”

Mr Ibrahim further revealed: “A few days ago, I was in a meeting with some Western diplomats and was asked what Nana and Mahama's reaction would be in the face of a defeat in November. Your guess is as good as mine.

“I can see no clear-cut successors or heirs apparent in both parties, and that is dangerous for the future survival of both parties in the event of a loss.

“You don't go into a football match thinking only of a win. Psyche yourself up for a potential defeat and have a game plan and an exit strategy for the sake of the NPP and NDC's future, and for the sake of Ghana's peace and stability

“My candid opinion is that it will be difficult for Nana Addo to accept defeat this time round. But it will be more difficult for President Mahama to relinquish power in the event of a surprising defeat,” he said.