The 2012 flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party Nana Akufo-Addo has arrived in Tamale on Thursday ahead of the National Delegates Conference, Saturday.

Akufo-Addo was accompanied by his vice-presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Freddy Blay, Ayawaso Central MP Henry Quartey, and former Greater Accra Region Minister Sheick IC Quaye.

Hundreds of party supporters were at the airport to welcome, the 2012 party leader who has declared his intention to run again in 2016.

His arrival will surely lift up political activity, in the Northern Regional capital which will host over 2000 delegates for a conference that will elect new national executives for the party.

Except for the party flags hoisted on the major streets of Tamale and posters and bill boards of aspirants competing for attention, Tamale has largely been quiet days leading up to the conference.

The Tamale Sports Stadium, venue for the Conference has seen most of the political activity thus far.

Even without the presence of the men jostling for positions in the party's highest offices, the imposing billboards of the candidates at the stadium are just enough adverts that something big would be happening.

It was Stephen Ntim who had the biggest of billboards. If the size of the boards is a determining factor in who wins the party's chairmanship position, Ntim should be ahead of his competitors.  Fred Oware also has sizable bill boards hoisted around the stadium. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey has a not too big poster, too small for an incumbent, perhaps. Paul Afoko also has sizeable posters around the stadium environment.

For the General Secretary position, it is incumbent Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie and his competitor Kwabena Agyapong who are the most visible. Their boards are also very huge and imposing. Capt Nkrabea Effah Dartey who is counting on God's grace also has a number of small sized posters within the stadium. Yaw Buabeng Asamoah appears to be depending largely on small sized paper posters than large sized bill boards.

Other posters of candidates that found space and expression included those of Sammy Awuku who is contesting the National Youth Organiser position, Sammy Crabbe, first National Vice chairmanship position.

In all 44 candidates will be vying for the Chairman, General Secretary, National Organiser, National Youth Organiser, First Vice Chairman, Women Organiser positions.