By: Deborah Amewoyi
Former Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Kennedy Agyapong has lambasted former Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia for his abysmal loss at the 2024 general elections polls.
Addressing some party faithfuls in Kumasi, the former Member of Parliament for Assin Central announced his renewed intentions to contest as flag bearer on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party in the next election year – December 2028.
Reflecting on the party’s performance at the recent polls, the former MP cautioned party faithfuls against re -selecting Dr. Bawumia as Presidential Candidate due to his massive “failure” at the polls. In comparison, Mr. Agyapong likened Dr. Bawumia’s failure to Adu Boahene, an NPP presidential candidate who was not given a second chance due to his under performance.
Referencing Dr. Bawumia’s statement on being given a second chance as compared to Former Presidents; John Agyekum Kuffuor and Nana Akufo-Addo, Mr. Agyapong strongly opined that both past presidents, despite their loss performed impressively at the polls to deserve a “second chance.”
In his statement he said, former president John Agyekum Kuffuor during his first contest only used four months campaigning period to contest for the election on the ticket of their party but had an impressive performance.
He then added that even though, Nana Akufo-Addo contested three times, during his first contest he pulled a 49.3% total vote cast out of the 50% +1 vote required. “Akufo-Addo upon contesting again in 2012, won but had to go to court since the results were not declared in his favor, his performance at two different polls provided him an avenue to contest again for the third time.” Kennedy Agyapong narrated.
“if you can loose over 2 million votes, how do you expect us to send you to the polls again?” he quizzed whilst reflecting on Dr. Bawumia plea to party faithfuls to consider him for the second time.
He further opined that Ghanaians are willing to cast their votes for him [Kennedy Agyapong ] and if the NPP does not consider him, the party might be in opposition in the next four to eight years. “Are you ready for that?” he asked the gathering who responded in negation.
He further called for unity amongst party members ahead of its impending campaign trail and capitalized on the fact that his call for unity does not counter the essence of narrating historical precedents that has kept the party on its feet.
Kennedy Agyapong has contested as a Presidential Candidate on the ticket of the NPP during the party’s primaries ahead of the 2024 general elections but came second with Dr. Bawumia earning the spot to contest as flag bearer for the party.
Notably, aside Kennedy Agyapong and Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia who have renewed interest to contest as presidential candidates for the party, Former Trades and Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong has also revealed his intentions to contest as presidential candidate leaving it at a total of 3 candidates who have shown interest in the flagbearship position.
Video Credit: SIKAOFFICIAL (X)
