Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a leading contender for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag-bearership position says he deserves another chance to lead the party in 2012. He stated on Angel Fm, a Kumasi radio station on Thursday that after performing so well in the 2008 elections, it is only fair and appropriate for NPP delegates to give him another chance when they elect a flag bearer at today's historic congress. He said judging from his feat in 2008 as a first-time presidential contestant, he would certainly wrestle power from the ruling National Democratic Congress in 2012. Nana Addo as he is fondly called noted his conviction that he will bring victory to the NPP stems from the poor performance of the Mills-led government and the general discontentment in the country as a result of it. "I think that I am the perfect candidate to lead our great party because I have already been widely marketed and even came so close to winning the elections therefore our party will not have a bit difficult time continuing the process,” he added. He contended that every indication points to the undeniable fact that when he is given a little push as NPP nag bearer for the second consecutive time, he will win power for the party. The 2008 presidential candidate, who was in the Ashanti region speaking to party delegates in the Obuasi constituency, said he has great hope they would give him a resounding victory at the congress. He said he hoped the polling station executives would reciprocate the wonderful gesture he did for them by ensuring that they were made part of the Electoral College. Nana Addo was instrumental in securing the expansion of the NPP's Electoral College from 2,300 to the current 115,000. "I was extremely delighted with the expansion because since 1992, 1 have been involved in the struggle for the extension of our Electoral College as part of measures to deepen internal democracy in the party," he noted. The one-time Attorney General and Minister of Justice said he has always been grateful to the party's delegates because they have stood solidly behind him ever since he decided to lead the party. "Though, 1 did not win the 1998 contest, the delegates demonstrated their support for me and in 2007 they glorified me by giving me the mandate." He said he was also grateful to the party's delegates because those in the Abuakwa South constituency have since 1996 supported him to represent them in parliament till he decided to retire because of the 2008 polls. Nana Addo denied allegations that that there was bad blood between him and ex-President Kufuor, "I do not have any grudge with ex-President Kufuor as many people are speculating and I can tell you that we have a very nourishing and mutually respectful relationship," he explained. He stated further that if he and ex­ President Kufuor were not in a healthy relationship, he would not have gone round the country to campaign for him to become president in 2000 when he lost to him during the 1998 presidential primaries in Sunyani, Nana Addo contended that the perceived rivalry between him and ex-President was fuelled by allegations that the former President was supporting Alan Kyerematen, his closest contender. He promised to continue to respect ex-President Kufuor and build a healthy relationship with him because without his full support he cannot be successful in his ambitions. The astute politician vowed to accept the outcome of the elections and if it happens that he wins, he will endeavor to bring all aspirants and their supporters on board for a resounding victory in2012. "Even in 2007 when 16 aspirants lost the elections and I emerged victorious, I was able to unite all 01" them and brought them on board to ensure we had a successful campaign. I will do the same thing this time around if I become successful,' Nana Addo noted. Source: Daily Guide