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NPP Run-off Canceled Following Candidate’s Withdrawal

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced the cancellation of its run-off election, originally scheduled for September 2, 2023, to break the tie between two flagbearer hopefuls, Francis Addai-Nimoh and Boakye Agyarko.

This decision comes after Boakye Agyarko withdrew from the race, citing alleged breaches of the party’s constitution.

In a letter addressed to Boakye Agyarko, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, Chairman of the NPP’s Presidential Elections Committee, acknowledged Agyarko’s decision to refrain from participating in the run-off.

He stated, “We take notice of your decision to withdraw from the contest, and therefore, the run-off election scheduled for Saturday, September 2, 2023, will no longer be held.”

The run-off had been organized to determine which of the two candidates, Agyarko or Addai-Nimoh, would join the four other aspirants in the NPP’s presidential primary scheduled for November 4, 2023.

Boakye Agyarko’s withdrawal was rooted in allegations that the party had violated its constitutional provisions

. In his letter addressed to Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye on August 31, 2023, Agyarko expressed his unwillingness to partake in a process that he believed unjustly disrupted the initially agreed-upon procedure. He emphasized his commitment to the party and extended his well-wishes.

The NPP had previously conducted a super delegates conference on August 26, 2023, which aimed to reduce the number of flagbearer hopefuls from ten to five. During this conference, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia secured the most votes, winning with

a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the vote. Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes (14.30%), and former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes (10.29%). Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto secured fourth place with 36 votes (3.90%).

Originally, the run-off was meant to involve individuals who had participated in the August 26 special delegates conference.

However, the party later announced that only members of the National Council would be eligible to vote in the exercise, citing time and cost-saving reasons.

Following Boakye Agyarko’s withdrawal, the confirmed candidates for the November 4 election are Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Alan Kyerematen, Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.

The NPP expressed its appreciation for Agyarko’s engagement and communication on the matter, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and fairness throughout its processes.