Boakye Agyarko Refrains from NPP Flagbearer Run-off Election Amid Controversy
Location: Accra, Ghana
Flagbearer aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Boakye Agyarko, has announced his decision to refrain from participating in the upcoming run-off election organized to break the tie between himself and fellow flagbearer hopeful, Francis Addai-Nimoh.
The run-off was scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 2, 2023.
In a letter addressed to Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, Chairman of the NPP’s Presidential Elections Committee, dated August 31, 2023, Boakye Agyarko expressed his refusal to be part of an act that he considers unjust and against a previously agreed-upon process.
He emphasized his desire not to participate in what he views as an “errant decision.”
The development comes after the NPP held a super delegates conference on Saturday, August 26, which aimed to narrow down the list of flagbearer hopefuls from ten to five.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the victor with 629 votes (68.15%), followed by Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong with 132 votes (14.30%), and former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen with 95 votes (10.29%). Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto secured fourth place with 36 votes (3.90%).
However, the situation took an unexpected turn as both Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai-Nimoh each secured nine (9) votes, resulting in a tie. This led to the announcement of a run-off election to determine the fate of these two flagbearer hopefuls.
The NPP’s National Council convened on Wednesday to deliberate on the matter. They decided that the run-off should proceed, but only members of the National Council will have the authority to decide the outcome of the run-off between Boakye Agyarko and Francis Addai-Nimoh.
As the NPP navigates through this unexpected turn of events, the decision by Boakye Agyarko to refrain from participating in the run-off introduces further complexity into an already dynamic and closely-watched political landscape. The ultimate outcome will have implications not only for the party’s internal dynamics but also for the upcoming general elections.
