NPP to allow only National Council members for Saturday’s run-off

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has decided to admit only National Council members as voters for Saturday’s run-off between former Energy Minister Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko and former Mampong Member of Parliament (MP) Francis Addai-Nimoh.

The two had nine votes apiece to place joint fifth in last Saturday’s Super Delegates’ Conference.

Therefore, a run-off was announced immediately by the Chairman of the Elections Committee, Rev Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye, to decide who would join the first four for the November 4 Presidential Primary proper.

There were several suggestions including allowing both to contest the November polls but Wednesday’s meeting decided on the format to employ.

According to reports gathered by 3news.com, only National Council members will vote.

The Council consists of elected members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), past National Chairmen and General Secretaries as well as Presidential Candidates, 20 members of Parliament, and regional representatives.

The decision by the party to allow only National Council members to vote is to reduce cost and to relieve the other super delegates of the time to gather for a run-off.

Last Saturday, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, former Trade Minister Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, and former Agric Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto sailed through to the November 4 primary.

But Mr. Agyarko and Mr. Addai-Nimoh were tied at Number 5.

Saturday’s voting is expected to separate the two as the party wants only five aspirants for the primary.

Both Mr Boakye Agyarko and Mr Addai-Nimoh have expressed resolve to engage in the exercise.

Mr Agyarko had dismissed earlier reports that he had decided to step down for his contender.

“My attention has been drawn to some false claims and reports that I, Boakye Agyarko have withdrawn from the NPP presidential primaries.

“I have not made any such pronouncements with anyone or any media house, I am ready for the upcoming run-off scheduled for Saturday, 2nd September 2023,” he indicated in a statement on Monday, August 28.

Later in the evening on TV3‘s Ghana Tonight with Alfred Ocansey, Mr. Addai-Nimoh also stated: “The rules are there, we are following the rules. The guidelines said should there be a tie, there shall be a run-off.”