Aspiring chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ebenezer Kofi Portuphy had called on the rank and file of the party to close ranks and focus on innovative ways to winning the 2016 general elections.

He said since 2016 might not be a mere walk over he believed with unity and purpose, and the determination to die a little harder for the NDC, he was optimistic the part would sail through.

He indicated that blame storming would only stifle the efforts of the party thus the need for all to bury the hatchet, saying this is critical to the survival or otherwise of the NDC.

''if we are able as a party to hold all the aces there is nothing that would stand in the way of the NDC, he said.''

In an interview with Mr. Kofi Portuphy who is also a director of elections for the Party on a wide range of issues including the just ended regional elections of the NDC, described both constituency and regional conferences as a huge success.

He indicated that the successful nature of both elections made the NDC very attractive and had enhanced the fortunes of the party because of the peaceful and fair atmosphere in which the conferences were held.

Congratulating both winners and losers, Kofi Portuphy appealed to the winners to work with the losers to ensure a united front.

''in every competition some win and some lose but in the end unity is required from all us, putting the past behind and bracing ourselves for the task ahead is what is needed now.''

Mr. Kofi Portuphy is contesting the National Chairmanship Position of the NDC alongside the incumbent Chairman Dr. Kwabena Adjei, Mr. Dan Abodakpi, and Alhaji Huddu Yahaya.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party is expected to announce the date and venue for the congress early this week.

Dr. Kofi Portuphy indicated that the NDC is working hard under President Mahama thus the need for all true supporters and sympathisers of the party to eschew from things that could divide the party and welcome those things which would help the party win the 2016 elections one touch.

When asked to comment on his chances in the upcoming congress, Mr Kofi Portuphy said ''I am working hard. I am talking to the people. They have reposed their confidence in me and I had giving them my word of working with everybody should the delegates give me the chance.

''I won't leave anybody behind; I will unite the party and make it more attractive and vibrant in collaboration with all of you.

We are focused to win 2016 but it comes with a prize, It's time to put the past behind and work towards absolute victory in 2016.