Former Assin Central Member of Parliament and New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, has expressed strong confidence in the integrity of the party’s ongoing presidential primaries, assuring delegates and party supporters that the process will be conducted fairly.

Speaking to journalists at a polling centre in Assin Central in the Central Region, Mr Agyapong said he does not anticipate a recurrence of the challenges that characterised the NPP’s 2023 presidential primary.

According to him, lessons have been learnt from previous internal elections, leading to improved safeguards to protect the credibility of the current exercise.

“We hope it doesn’t happen,” he said, stressing that deliberate steps have been taken to prevent irregularities. “We have all done our job well to prevent rigging and everything, so I expect a fair contest.”

Lessons from the Past, Focus on Transparency

Mr Agyapong’s comments come at a time when the NPP is seeking to demonstrate internal cohesion and democratic maturity as it selects a flagbearer for the December 7, 2028 general election.

The primaries, which are being held nationwide, have attracted widespread public attention due to the calibre of candidates involved and the high stakes for the governing party.

The former lawmaker’s remarks reflect concerns shared by some party members following disputes that emerged after earlier internal contests.

However, he indicated that the party’s leadership and aspirants alike are committed to ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the voting process.

By expressing confidence in the system, Mr Agyapong sought to reassure delegates that their votes would count and that the outcome would reflect the true will of the party’s electorate.

Call for Unity Primaries

Beyond the voting process itself, Mr Agyapong placed significant emphasis on the need for unity within the NPP after the primaries.

He pledged to work towards bringing the party together if he emerges victorious, describing cohesion as critical to the party’s chances in the next general election.

“If I’m the winner, I will be able to bring the party together,” he stated, underscoring his intention to heal any divisions that may arise from the contest.

He further noted that internal competitions can be intense and, at times, emotionally charged, but insisted that such moments should not weaken the party’s collective resolve. According to him, disagreements and harsh words are often part of political contests, yet they should not lead to fragmentation.

“This shouldn’t be a problem at all. We’re all going to come together as one party and work. “As for contests, sometimes it gets tough, and some words are used which are not palatable, but we have to take it as it is, but that doesn’t mean we should go out of the party.”

As voting continues across the country, Mr Agyapong also used the opportunity to appeal directly to delegates to support his bid for the flagbearership.

With characteristic confidence, he urged party members to cast their ballots in his favour, encouraging them to “vote number one.”

His appeal highlights the competitive nature of the race, which features several high-profile figures within the NPP, each seeking to lead the party into the 2028 elections.

Competitive Field of Aspirants

Mr Agyapong is contesting the flagbearer position against former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Bryan Acheampong, former Minister of Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.

The presence of multiple seasoned politicians has intensified the contest, with each candidate presenting themselves as best positioned to secure victory for the NPP in the next national polls.

The outcome of the primaries is expected to significantly influence the party’s strategy and messaging ahead of the general election.

The NPP presidential primaries are currently underway at polling centres nationwide, with delegates casting their votes under the supervision of party officials and security personnel. Party leaders have consistently called for calm, discipline, and respect for the rules governing the process.

As the day progresses and results are anticipated, attention remains focused on whether the party will emerge from the exercise united and energised for the political battles ahead.

For Kennedy Agyapong, the primaries represent not only a test of his popularity within the party but also an opportunity to project himself as a unifying force capable of leading the NPP into the 2028 general elections.