The 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says the ruling National Democratic Congress’ mantra of “1 million votes in Ashanti” in the 2016 general elections will not materialize.

Describing it as nothing more than a mirage which will not see the light of day, Nana Akufo-Addo has assured NPP faithful that the Party’s leadership has targeted nothing less than 85% of the popular vote in the Ashanti region, re-assuring them that “we will get it in 2016.”

Nana Akufo-Addo made this declaration when the Member of Parliament for the Subin Constituency in the Ashanti Region, together with constituency Chairman, Mr. Francis Boamah, and some 200 NPP women from the constituency, comprising polling station executives and other members, called on him at his Nima Residence on Wednesday, April 8, 2015.

Hon. Isaac Osei, who acted as spokesperson for the group, explained that the purpose of their presence in Accra was to visit Parliament and familiarize themselves with the operations of the Party at the national level, as well as reiterate their commitment to ensuring that the NPP, under the leadership of Akufo-Addo, wrestles political power from the NDC come 2016.

He also indicated that, prior to their call on Nana Akufo-Addo, they had also called on the National Chairman, Mr. Paul Afoko and other executives of the party at the National Headquarters at Kokomlemle.

Nana Akufo-Addo, whose wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, was also present, thanked the group for the visit. He noted that with women accounting for over 51% of Ghana’s population, they have a unique role in deciding the fate of the nation, with regards to who leads and returns her back onto the path of progress and prosperity.

“Ghana is retrogressing under the Mahama government. All the gains chalked by President Kufuor have been eroded within 6 years of the NDC government taking over the reins of office. We have a duty as members of the NPP to make sure Ghana works again and we have no choice but to win the 2016 election,” Nana Addo said.

On the upcoming parliamentary primary, he urged the gathering to conduct themselves and the process in a manner devoid of rancour or mudslinging and give all aspirants the opportunity to present their case.

At the end of the day, Nana Akufo-Addo said, “you need to elect people you believe in, and people who will work for Ghana to succeed. Most people know that it is only the NPP who can bring prosperity, employment for the youth and progress for all. We have the men and women who can give this nation good and effective government.”

The party, Nana Addo added, must remain united after the primaries, with victors ensuring that all unsuccessful aspirants are brought on board for total victory for the party in 2016.

Nana Addo also used the opportunity to debunk NDC-inspired rumours making the rounds that he had preferred candidates in the upcoming primaries.

He maintained that delegates of the party will always have the final say as to who they want as their parliamentary candidates, and that will not change.