Presidential aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, has formally withdrawn from the upcoming run-off election, raising concerns over perceived legal breaches within the party’s electoral process.
Agyarko’s decision to step aside came in response to the NPP’s announcement that its National Council would establish an electoral college to resolve the tie between Agyarko and his competitor, Francis Addai Nimoh, both of whom secured fifth place in the recent super delegate conference.
In a press release, Agyarko decried what he termed as an unconstitutional move by the National Council to narrow down the selection process, arguing that it disregarded the voices of the 955 individuals who initially participated in the first round.
One of Agyarko’s primary contentions was that the establishment of an electoral college blatantly violated the NPP’s constitution.
He expressed his dismay, saying, “It is totally unacceptable to me that such an unconstitutional act can be perpetuated on the altar of expediency. Am I to surmise that the party did not know the cost implication? It is unconscionable that the rules of the game will be changed midstream.”
Agyarko further asserted that such flip-flopping of rules and regulations only served to undermine fair play and justice, branding it a clear violation of the party’s constitution and the guidelines for the Special Electoral College.
In light of these concerns, the former Energy Minister concluded that he could not, in good conscience, participate in an electoral process that he perceived as unjust and that disrupted the previously agreed-upon procedure.
He stated, “I, therefore, respectfully, serve this notice to refrain from such a contest. As always, I wish the party well.”
This withdrawal casts uncertainty over the NPP’s forthcoming run-off election, as one of the contenders for the fifth aspirant spot has voluntarily exited the race.
Background:
On August 26, during the NPP’s Super Delegates Conference, six presidential aspirants emerged. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia secured the top position with 68.15% of the total votes cast, followed by Kennedy Agyapong at 15.03%. Alan Kyerematen claimed the third spot with 10.29%, and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto came in fourth with 3.90%.
The conference was intended to select five candidates, but it led to a tie between Francis Addai Nimoh and Boakye Kyeremateng Ayarko, both receiving nine votes each, thus necessitating the run-off election that Agyarko has now withdrawn from.