Twice-failed flagbearer aspirant of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyeremanten has urged delegates of the party to elect, at its Saturday conference, leaders who are “thirsty and hungry” for victory in 2016.

“We should be totally hungry, thirsty and fully prepared for nothing but overwhelming victory. And that will depend on the caliber of leaders we elect in Tamale come April 12,” Kyeremanten wrote in a goodwill message to the delegates ahead of the conference.

The former Trade Minister, who says he is interested in contesting the flagbearer slot of the party again, said it is imperative for the NPP to elect capable leaders because “the challenge facing our party going into 2016 is no doubt a formidable one.”

“We are dealing with an incumbent which came to power through what we consider to be very questionable means,” he said, adding that: “Obviously, that incumbent would want to use 2016 to prove hook or crook, that they won 2012 fairly. We can therefore not leave anything to chance or complacency in our preparation for 2016,” he observed.

“I am therefore appealing to all delegates to do their best to elect for our party, competent leaders who will work their blood out for victory in 2016,” Kyeremanten said.

According to him, “it is important that approaching 2016, the party gets leaders who are competent, hardworking and totally committed to the party’s cause,” adding that: “The power to elect such leaders is in your hands as delegates. I therefore appeal to you to exercise that power in the best interest of the party, devoid of any persona; or petty considerations.”

He said: “This upcoming convocation is taking place at a time when the party has lost two consecutive general elections, and also lost a momentous and historical Presidential election petition at the Supreme Court. Against this backdrop, the Tamale Conference has the most critical task of electing the party’s national leaders who will lead us into the 2016 battle for power.”

He said: “The foregoing scenario clearly gives the Tamale Conference an added critical importance. Going into this auspicious Conference therefore, I deem it appropriate to add my voice to the many others who are wishing our party great success in our deliberations, and to pray for the blessing of Almighty God for a peaceful, incident free Conference.”