On Wednesday, August 30, 2023, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Council had a key gathering to discuss the impasse brought on by the most recent presidential election. Following talks, the National Council members reaffirmed that the September 2 run-off between Francis Addai-Nimoh and Boakye Agyarko shall proceed to determine the fate of the two flagbearer candidates.
Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai-Nimoh, both contenders in the NPP’s presidential race, had each secured an equal number of votes, with nine votes apiece, during the party’s super delegates conference held on August 26, 2023. This unexpected tie led to uncertainty within the party about how to proceed.
With 961 super delegates potentially eligible to participate in the run-off, there were divergent opinions on whether to allow all of them to vote or whether one of the candidates should step down. However, neither candidate chose to withdraw their candidacy, prompting the National Council to intervene.
Following extensive deliberations, the NPP’s National Council officially announced that a run-off would indeed take place to determine the party’s flagbearer.
However, in a bid to save time and resources, only National Council members will be eligible to cast their votes in this decisive contest.
This vote is scheduled to occur on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra. It is expected to be a closely watched event, as the NPP continues its process of narrowing down the field of presidential hopefuls.
In the initial round of voting, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia secured a commanding victory at the super delegates conference, receiving a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the vote. Kennedy Agyapong, Assin Central MP, emerged in second place with 132 votes (14.30%), while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen came in third with 95 votes (10.29%). Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto took fourth place with 36 votes (3.90%).