By: Jude Tackie
A staunch delegate and supporter of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Baraka Shaibu has expressed strong reservations about Ken Agyapong’s candidacy in the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary.
In a lively discussion during the “Nk)mm) k3se3” special segment on Happy 98.9 FM’s “Epa Hoa Daben” socio-political talk show, the delegate, voiced discontent with the influence of non-NPP supporters on the party’s internal affairs.
She stated, “Why would an NDC supporter dictate to us who we should vote for?” The delegate emphasized the delegate system within the party and suggested that only NPP members should decide the NPP’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections.
Baraka Shaibu challenged the purported non-partisan status of some Ken Agyapong supporters, stating, “What I’ve heard is that most people claim they’re not NPP supporters yet they want Ken Agyapong to win.” The delegate firmly declared that the NPP should make the decision about its candidate, and the right person for the role is Dr. Bawumia.
The delegate then delved into the issue of the economy and accountability within the NPP, raising concerns about Ken Agyapong’s involvement in the government, asserting that he should not be exempted from criticism for the state of the economy.
“If you believe that the economy is in a bad state and Ken Agyapong shouldn’t also be blamed, then ask him to go independent in the 2024 elections”.
Baraka Shaibu further questioned the viability of Ken Agyapong’s candidacy, particularly regarding campaign strategy. They pondered, “What I keep asking myself is that in the unlikely event that Ken Agyapong wins, what would be his campaign message and strategy?” The delegate also raised concerns about the public disputes and controversies involving Ken Agyapong and his supporters, arguing that it detracted from the NPP’s unity and professionalism.
The race remains fiercely contested, with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong among the leading contenders for the party’s flagbearership slot, alongside other prominent figures such as Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimoh.