Former President Jerry John Rawlings says in order for President John Mahama to retain power for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the December polls, it is important for him to get rid of “the evil dwarfs surrounding the presidency”.

Though he acknowledged that President Mahama was taking cogent steps to address the myriad of challenges bedeviling the party, there is the need for the rank and file to offer him their unflinching support.

Former President Rawlings said this when addressing ardent followers of the party in the Volta region on Thursday during its manifesto launch.

“I am sharing this with you (referring to the jubilant supporters) because there have been behind the scenes discussions, so we all need to pray and support our president to succeed.

“What is important now is that he has realized this evil dwarfs around him and he is taking steps to address that,” Mr. Rawlings added, amid thunderous applause from the teaming crowed.

"There is nothing more oppressive than when a leader refuses to see actions of negativity around him. In the same vein, there is nothing more relieving than when a leader begins to see such evil. It means there is hope. Our president is beginning to see the actions of the same old evil dwarfs. The president Mahama needs help and he prays to God to give him strength and courage to do who what he must do", Mr. Rawlings deduced.

In an usual manner, Mr. Rawlings concluded his speech within three minutes to the amazement of the media who were expecting more from him.