Former President JJ Rawlings has said integrity has been held hostage in the National Democratic Congress, a party he founded.

Rumors are rife that the opposition party’s founder is seeking to take over his party following its defeat in the 2016 elections.

But Mr Rawlings said he wished such claims are true, even though he will instead be happy, if God took over the umbrella family.

“I wish I could say yes, but I think it sounds better in my ear to say that I want God to come and lead us because of the integrity factor. God can be found in the truth.

“It has been ambushed and held hostage. The time has come to free the truth,” the former military leader said when the Volta regional caucus of the party in parliament paid him a visit Thursday.

The NDC lost the last December elections to the ruling New Patriotic Party by close to a million votes.

Party insiders say the founder is seeking to back a candidate who will reflect his values and convictions to lead the party.