Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the victor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) super delegates conference, securing a total of 629 votes, which accounts for 68.15% of the vote.
Notably, Kennedy Agyapong, the Assin Central MP, claimed the second position with 132 votes (14.30%), while former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen landed in third place with 95 votes (10.29%).
This outcome signifies that both Agyapong and Bawumia have qualified for the NPP’s presidential primaries scheduled for November.
This marks the first presidential bid for both Bawumia and Agyapong. Kyerematen, who has been in the race since 2007, will once again vie for the nomination.
The November primaries are expected to be a significant challenge for Bawumia and Agyapong, as they need to secure the support of over 200,000 delegates from around the country to become the NPP’s flagbearer.
The ultimate winner of the primaries will contend against the opposition National Democratic Congress’s John Dramani Mahama in the December 2024 general election.
Bawumia’s victory is perceived as a substantial boost to his presidential aspirations. As the incumbent vice president, he is viewed as a reliable and capable leader by many party members. Agyapong’s unexpected second-place finish is a remarkable development.
Despite being a controversial figure, his popularity and willingness to challenge conventional norms have garnered attention. His strong performance in the super delegates conference indicates his potential as a dark horse candidate in the November primaries.
The upcoming November primaries are shaping up to be a closely contested race. While Bawumia is considered the frontrunner, Agyapong’s unexpected success in the super delegates conference suggests that he should not be underestimated.
The outcome of the primaries will wield significant influence over the trajectory of the 2024 general election.